Governors warn against delay of key dam project

 

Governors Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni), Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Kaluki Ngilu (Kitui) and water CS Eugene Wamalwa

Three governors from lower Eastern region have asked the Government to ensure construction of Thwake multipurpose dam is completed before its schedule.

Governors Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni) and Charity Ngilu (Kitui) yesterday also urged Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa to ensure the Chinese contractor for the multi-billion shilling project offers jobs to locals.

They proposed that components of the project be implemented simultaneously and not in phases as provided for in the plan.

Speaking at a Makueni hotel during a stakeholder’s consultative meeting attended by the CS, the leaders reckoned that the mega dam will transform Ukambani into a food basket once completed.

“We strongly feel that five years is too much time for completion of the project. There should be a room for renegotiation so that the work is done much faster so that our people may start benefiting within the shortest time possible, “said Dr Mutua.

He noted the leadership of the three counties is better placed to effectively lay down development plans to ensure exploitation of the project. “We as governors are willing to consult and plan in advance on how to factor in the dam project in line with collective development agenda for the region,” he said adding that local companies should be subcontracted to offer services on need basis.

Prof Kibwana, said the project will go a long way to solve the water problem in the region.

“Only a mad person would fail to appreciate such a great project. Thwake multipurpose dam is one of the ultimate solutions for challenges facing the region,“ he said. The governor also asked the Government to ensure that 229 families affected by the project get compensation.

Ms Ngilu is optimistic that, once completed the dam will end the perennial dependency on relief food in Ukambani. “Proper exploitation of this project will put to an end the shame of Mwolyo (relief food) and our people will have enough food and even surplus,” she said.

Mr Wamalwa said President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto were committed to ensure construcution of the project begins.

“The President and his deputy have taken a keen interest in ensuring the project kicks off and is completed on schedule. The two will come here in January for the ground breaking,” said the CS.

He noted that Thwake dam will be the largest dam in Eastern and Central Africa.