On 16^th and 17^th June 2025, the Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, Eng. Eric Mugaa, undertook a working visit to Meru County to inspect ongoing water and sanitation projects being implemented by the Tana Water Works Development Agency (TWWDA). The visit reinforced the Government’s commitment to delivering sustainable water and sanitation solutions in line with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

The CS began his visit with a courtesy call on the Governor of Meru County, Hon. Rev. Mutuma M’Ethingia, where discussions centered on addressing persistent water supply challenges, including rationing caused by supply constraints. Key issues highlighted included the urgent need to expand water systems in Maua, Nkubu, and Timau, improve efficiency, and strengthen sustainability in the sector. Strategies proposed included:

• Introduction of master meters for enhanced monitoring,
• Efforts to minimize water losses,
• Tariff reviews for equitable service delivery,
• Transition of borehole management, and
• Improved accountability through timely remittance to the Water Resources Authority (WRA).

The CS also emphasized curbing illegal water connections and building stronger stakeholder collaboration to ensure reliable and equitable access to safe water.

Later, Eng. Mugaa inspected the ongoing Maua Sewerage Last Mile Connectivity Project in Igembe South Constituency. Upon completion in October 2025, Maua’s Central Business District will achieve 100% sewer coverage, with the rest of the town reaching 70%. This will provide an environmentally friendly waste management solution while improving public health outcomes.

In the evening, the CS presided over a stakeholder engagement forum on the proposed Nyambene Hills Wellfields Water Supply Project. The project will improve water access across four constituencies in the Nyambene region, directly supporting BETA by boosting public health, water security, and local economic growth.

Eng. Mugaa concluded the visit with an inspection tour of the Rwanyange Wastewater Treatment Plant in Imenti North Constituency, Nyaki East Ward. This flagship project, part of the Meru Sewerage Project, will serve approximately 193,000 residents upon completion.

Throughout the visit, Eng. Mugaa reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to working with county governments, stakeholders, and communities to ensure reliable, safe, and equitable water and sanitation services.

The CS was accompanied by key leaders, including Hon. John Paul (MP, Igembe South), Hon. Muthoni Kiara (Nominated MP), TWWDA Chairman Mr. Teobald Mukundi Wambugu, TWWDA CEO Eng. Philip Gichuki, MBS, MEWASCO Director Mr. Romano Mwito, and several national and county officials.