Dam to change county’s fortunes

By KAMAU MAICHUHIE

Kiambu County: Perennial acute water shortage in Kiambu County will soon become a thing of the past once the half a billion mega dam currently under construction is completed.

Theta dam which is being built in Kinale forest is in the final phase of construction and will be complete in the next three months.

Speaking during a tour to see the work progress Esther Njuguna the county executive member for water, environment and natural resources, said the dam once complete is earmarked to supply water to the lower part of the county which comprises Gatundu, Juja, Githunguri and Ruiru.

She said the water would be used for both domestic and irrigation to help boost agriculture in the area.

“The county has been experiencing acute water shortage due to the rapid increase in population which can be attributed to vast growth of real estate in the county,” she said. “The county government is working on a plan that will ensure domestic water access in the county is increased from the current 35 per cent to 70 per cent in the next five years.”

The dam being funded by the Government through Athi Water Services Board (AWSB) will have the capacity to produce 500,000 cubic metres of water which according to the site engineer Francis Gitahi, is enough to alleviate shortage in the area.

Alleviate poverty

Simon Kirangi the acting managing director of Gatundu Water and Sanitation Company said the dam has come as blessing to the people of Kiambu since many areas that are currently facing scarcity and rationing will get water throughout the day.

“The future of the agricultural sector looks promising since with the dam, farmers will carry out farming irrespective of dry weather,” said Kirangi.

The dam is being constructed by Lee Construction Company that also built the Kiserian reservior with a capacity of 2.6 million cubic metres of water.

“I sincerely thank the President for initiating such a beneficial project to the people. The facility will also help promote the economic status of the area through farming which is paramount in alleviating poverty,” said Gatama Njuguna the chairman of Gatundu water and Sanitation Company.