Sh128m irrigation project set to benefit 1,000 households

Tharaka MP Mburi Muiru, Chuka IgambaNg'ombe MP, Muthomi Njuki, Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa and Tharaka-Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki during a tour of the Thuci Range Water Project. The National Government has funded the Sh128M irrigation project in the region to benefit the local farmers. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Project is expected to be completed in three months.
  • The irrigation project is one of five in the area, which have already been funded through the ministry of Water and Irrigation.
  • Machine Centre Limited director Wahome Mwangi said construction will commence immediately since 60 percent of materials needed were already on the site.

More than 1,000 households in Tharaka-Nithi County are set to benefit from Sh128 million irrigation project funded by the national government.

The Thuci Range Irrigation project is in Magumoni ward in Chuka/Igambangombe Constituency.

Speaking during the launch at Magenka market yesterday, Ministry of Water and Irrigation deputy director Richard Kanui said the project is expected to be completed in three months.

The project will also involve training farmers on different aspects of agribusiness.

“Farmers are required to cooperate with the contractor by allowing the pipes to pass through their farms,” said Mr Kanui.

Area MP Muthomi Njuki said President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to commission the project together with others during a planned visit.

EMBRACE FARMING

He noted that the irrigation project is one of five, which have already been funded through the ministry.

He asked residents to embrace farming once the project is completed to attract buyers.

“You need to have a common crop so that buyers can come to your farms and find bulk produce,” advised Mr Njuki.

Machine Centre Limited director who has been awarded the tender to work on the project, said he will employ locals to ensure that they benefit.

Mr Mwangi said construction will commence immediately since 60 percent of materials needed were already on the site.