Consider facts on the water project, Water CS Eugene Wamalwa now tells critics

Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Water and Irrigation Eugene Wamalwa (right) with Mama Sarah Obama at Kogello village in Siaya County on October 15 2016 during the commissioning of Kogelo village water supply. The people of Kogello village who used to get their water supply from two boreholes jointly done by National water Conservation and pipeline cooperation and Lake Victoria South Water Service Board are beneficiaries of Sh2.1 billion Siaya/ Bondo water supply project. [PIC BY COLLINS ODUOR/Standard]

Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa will tomorrow meet stakeholders from Murang’a County to discuss the controversial Northern Water Collector Tunnel project.

Wamalwa said he will use the meeting clarify issues surrounding the Sh6.8 billion water project.

“There is nothing wrong with the project, I want to assure Kenyans that it is a good development step. We should all embrace it,” he revealed.

“I will meet all stakeholders on Monday to continue discussing the Murang’a project. We will give the information lacking to ensure clarity. We will discuss deeply on this project,” he said.

He further maintained that individuals ignorant of key facts about the project are spreading false and misleading information.

The CS was reacting to claims by CORD principal Raila Odinga that the Sh6.8 billion Northern Collector Tunnel water project would have a devastating impact on the environment.

Raila claimed that the project will utilise water at the source in Aberdere forest and divert it to the Ndakaini dam in Thika for use in Nairobi County.

The former premier said the project will affect seven rivers. All of them feed the River Tana, which is the source of livelihood for families in Ukambani, Muranga, Garissa,Tana River and north Mathioya.

And local leaders are divided over the project, with some calling for it to be stopped.

Senator Kembi Gitura warned that the project was dangerous to the environment.

The Senate Deputy Speaker said the findings of a technical committee appointed by the Murang’a County Government should be respected.

“We are trustees not just for the people we represent today, but also for all future generations,” he said.

But Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria has dismissed critics of the project saying they are playing politics with the matter.

Wa Iria accused Raila of peddling lies for political gain.

“Raila is using the project to try and gain support in Mount Kenya region, ahead of his planned rally in Murang’a County in the near future,” he said.

Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau asked the engineers to ensure residents benefit from the project.

“Murang’a County residents must draw benefits from this mega project,” Kamau said.

He said the storm over the project was not based on empirical details drawn from hydrological and engineering studies.

“The relevant state agencies should embark on information, education and communication campaigns for entrenching informed opinion,” said Mr Kamau.

He added; “Land is an emotive issue in central Kenya, those families with parcels of land lying on the tunnel corridor should be adequately compensated. The Lands Department ought to expedite the processing of claim documents .”

The vowed to guard against unwarranted delays in the execution of the project.

“I do hope my position advances the doctrine of natural justice , sustainable development and mitigation against water conflicts espoused by the late prof Wangari Mathai, a Nobel Prize Winner,” said Kamau.

Mombasa governor Hassan Joho and his Kilifi counterpart Amazon Kingi have raised issues with the project which they claim will affect the flow of River Tana that serves Coast residents.

“The Northern Collector Tunnel water project being constructed in Murang’a County would lead to economic sabotage of the Coast region,” said Joho.

Kingi said; “We demand an audit of all environmental concerns raised as well as a proper impact assessment on how the project will affect water volumes of the Tana River and also  public participation for the affected counties.”