Leaders and residents of Rwanyange location in North Imenti constituency are up in arms against the ongoing construction of Rwanyange Sewerage system which will cost the national government a whooping Sh1 billion.
Led by Nyaki East MCA Josphat Kinyua Muuna, Rwanyange development chairman Charles Mugambi and Rwanyange residents’ chairman Charles Kariuki they said the project was started illegally in the area without the consent of the locals.
Speaking at Rwanyange market during a public participation forum where area MP Rahim Dawood was also present, they said to make matters worse it was started in a water catchment area and in the process interfering with the riparian land.
They now want the national government to relocate it from the site and look for alternative land to establish the project noting that they were never consulted when it was started.
MCA Muuna says locals are completely opposed to the project since it is located in a water catchment area while the price of land will depreciate.
“Rwanyange is a water catchment area and this plant will ruin the lives of the residents in this area. We don’t want it here. It was conceived illegally and if the government wants to continue with the project it will be against our will. The government has alternative land where the project can be relocated,” said the MCA.
He regretted that while other areas are getting higher institutions of learning projects they are only getting sewerage system.
Mugambi said the project was started forcibly despite the residents being opposed to it from the beginning.
He said they fully supported UDA during the 2022 election and voted overwhelmingly for President William Ruto and he should now reciprocate by granting their wishes.
“If the President thinks the best gift he can give us is a sewerage system to ruin our lives, so be it. They will come to seek votes in 2027. We are surprised that some leaders are supporting it and they will have the guts to solicit for votes here in future,” said Mugambi.
He said they have already cursed the project and will soon hold prayers to seek God intervention over the issue.
“The project does not benefit the locals where it is built. It is interfering with riparian land because it’s being constructed in a swamp. NEMA certificate was given when the project was already underway. You can’t give a certificate in the middle of a project,” said Mugambi.
“Let it be relocated. Let us stop lying to the President about the exact location of the project,” said Mugambi. Kariuki said he started opposing the project since it inception because it is illegal.
“Those who opposed the project were beaten and teargassed instead of addressing their grievances,” noted Kariuki.
Mr Dawood also said he was not consulted or aware when the project was moved to Rwanyange since originally it was set to be established at Kwangomb’e.
He urged the contractor and locals to keenly study the project proposal to ensure it is adhered to, adding that the contractor had left a gaping hole along the road which poses danger to locals especially children and called on him to refill it.
“We will invite experts including NEMA and health officials to give their verdict within two weeks on whether the project should proceed or be cancelled. If it is bad we shall advise the President to have it relocated to another site. If it is okay there is no reason to oppose it. We shall support it because we can’t just oppose something for the sake of it,” said the MP.
He cautioned residents against being emotional or political when handling such delicate issues noting everybody is looking for a lasting solution and not unnecessary fights, adding that the project was already half way complete.
Tana Water Works director Jacob Ngugi said he will consult with his seniors over some policy issues raised at the meeting.
