State to fund two water dams at Sh10billion

County residents are set to benefit from two multi-billion-shilling water projects under the Vision 2030 programme.

The national government is set to put up two mega dams in the region; Kinja and Pesi, at a cost of over Sh10 billion.

Pesi will also benefit residents of Laikipia County. Already, the Government has advertised for the tenders with the works expected to begin before the end of the year.

The move has been welcomed by local leaders saying once complete, water problems in the region will be a thing of the past.

Governor Daniel Waithaka who has been pushing for the construction of the dams termed the projects a dream come true.

"Water shortage especially in the lower parts of Ndaragwa has been the biggest challenge for our people that has also led to increased poverty. This is a dream come true and we want to thank the national government for approving the two projects," he said.

He said once complete, residents will be able to practise irrigation and improve on food security.

"We have had cases where our people from these dry parts rely on relief food from the national government. A solution to this problem has finally been found. It is our wish that these works will be carried out immediately, as it will serve our people well," said Mr Waithaka.

He noted that the county administration was willing to work hand-in-hand with the national government to make the two projects a reality.

On his part, Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu said Pesi Dam will serve the people of Mutara and other nearby parts.

"These are areas that have lacked water for a very long time and we want to make it a reality that they can also practice farming. Pesi Dam is one of the projects that we have been pushing for and we are glad that the national government has listened to our cries," he said.

Mr Irungu urged the contractors to employ local youths from the area to do the manual works so that they could also benefit.

"They will get income by doing the manual jobs and that is why we are calling on the contractors to make use of them," he said.