Ministry denies misuse of Sh10b meant for dams

By Ally Jamah

The Government has strongly defended itself from reports claiming huge misappropriation of funds meant for construction of major storage dams at the National Water Conservation and Pipeline Corporation (NWCPC).

The Public Relations Department of the Water Ministry released a statement saying the Sh10.7 billion that claimed to have been lost is in fact more than the amount set aside to construct the dams.

"The contract sum is Sh9.4 billion to be disbursed over three years. The initial disbursement by the Exchequer in the last financial year is Sh1.2 billion and a further Sh2 billion is expected in the current financial year," read the statement.

Inept persons

The ministry also criticised the reports terming them not factual and defamatory, and having been done without verifying their authenticity.

The statement refuted allegations that incompetent and inept persons were awarded contracts for the construction of the dams, saying only a site tour can give the true picture.

It read: "They should visit the sites and confirm whether construction is continuing or has stalled. If construction has ceased then we have a right to terminate the contract."

The Government officials accused the media of "being motivated by malice to disparage the corporation from delivering quality services to Kenyans and not a legitimate public interest".

NWCPC became operational in 1989 with the construction of dams for water supply, flood control and other multi-purpose uses as a core mandate.