Munga, wa Iria water wars shift to building of Sh300m college

Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company (Muwasco) chairman Peter Munga. FILE PHOTO | NMG 

By NDUNG'U GACHANE

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Summary

• Peter Munga said the decision to build the institute was arrived at after county leaders met at a Nairobi hotel to deliberate on how Murang’a residents would benefit from the construction of the Northern Water Collector Tunnel.
• This escalates the row between the billionaire businessman and Mr Wa Iria over control of Muwasco in a dispute that is currently before the court.
• Mr Munga has sued the governor after he tried to replace him as Muwasco chairman.

Tycoon Peter Munga has vowed not to vacate his seat as Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company (Muwasco) chairman and continue the construction of a water institute despite opposition from governor Mwangi wa Iria.

The businessman said the decision to build the institute was arrived at after county leaders met at a Nairobi hotel to deliberate on how Murang’a residents would benefit from the construction of the Northern Water Collector Tunnel.

This escalates the row between the billionaire businessman and Mr Wa Iria over control of Muwasco in a dispute that is currently before the court.

“Plans to construct the water institute are complete and the principal secretary for water Joseph Irungu says money is available. We are waiting for the agreement between Ndikwe Primary School and Muwasco to cede land where the institute will be built,” Mr Munga said at Kiawambeu treatment plant on Saturday during a conference that brought together four water companies in the county.

He said the construction of the institute would take one-and-half years, adding that more than 20 courses will be offered.

“The school will bring development in the county.

“Students from outside Murang’a will be charged 50 per cent more since it will be a profit-making business,” he said.

His statement comes a week after Mr Wa Iria vowed to stop the construction of the institute, saying the move was a misplaced priority aimed at seeking avenues to embezzle public funds.

“I will not let the company borrow Sh300 million to construct a water institute.

“That money should be given to elected leaders for water supply in all the 35 wards. The President has constructed eight technical institutes in Murang’a where water-related courses can be taught,” the governor said.

Mr Munga has sued the governor after he tried to replace him as Muwasco chairman.

The two have had a long-running feud over management of Muwasco

The governor accused the tycoon of bankrolling his opponent Moses Mwangi’s campaigns and interfering with local politics.

Dr Mwangi was chief executive of Equatorial Nut Processors —which is owned by Mr Munga

Mr Munga also has shares worth billions of shillings in Britam Holdings Ltd, a stake in Equity Bank and owns Meru Ginneries, Pioneer Group of Schools as well as Equatorial Nut Processors Limited.