Thika: Thika Water and Sewerage Company (Thiwasco) has decried huge maintenance costs of infrastructure damaged as a result of silting during rainy seasons. The company’s Managing Director, Moses Kinya, expressed concerns over the financial challenges posed by muddy soil deposits that end up in the water collection points, especially during the rainy season.

According to Kenya News Agency, Kinya spoke during a tree planting exercise at the Maryhill catchment area, where he outlined the company’s efforts in addressing the silting issue through an aggressive re-afforestation program. This initiative aims to plant 10,000 trees annually in the water catchment areas to mitigate the problem.

Kinya explained that the maintenance costs become significant whenever it rains, as the company is forced to handle infrastructure damage and interruptions in water supply to clean and improve the facilities. Additionally, he mentioned plans to increase water supply to residents, with infrastructure expansion bids already advertised, and work expected to begin soon.

The existing infrastructure, which dates back several decades, has been unable to meet the current water demand, leading to rationing during dry spells. Currently, the company generates about 40,000 cubic meters of water daily against a demand of 60,000. The new infrastructure is anticipated to support Thika’s ambition to become a smart industrial city.

Furthermore, Thiwasco expects to benefit from additional water sourced from the multi-billion Kariminu II mega dam located in Gatundu North Sub County. This dam has also been supplying water to Ruiru, Juja, and Nairobi. Alfred Wanyoike, Chairman of the Thika Business Community, called on traders to support the greening initiative as part of the town’s transformation into an industrial smart city.