Kenya releases Sh1b for Thiba dam evacuees

Agriculture PS Sicily Kariuki (centre) being briefed on the proposed Thiba
mega dam by Governor Joseph Ndathi (right) and Mwea MP Peter Gitau, when
she visited Kirinyaga County on Wednesday. [PHOTO: MUNENE KAMAU/STANDARD]

KIRINYAGA: Families affected by the proposed Thiba mega dam have received Sh3.3 billion in compensation, while the remaining 95 beneficiaries are to be paid within the next two weeks.

Agriculture Principal Secretary Sicily Kariuki Thursday assured the beneficiaries that the Sh1 billion balance the Government owes them has since been received from the Treasury.

“We want to clear all the outstanding dues to the people affected by this project. We regret that payments have been made at a slow pace but this was due to unavoidable circumstances,” she said.

Speaking to the press after an intensive tour of the proposed dam site, Ms Kariuki said the construction of the mult-billion shilling dam would have started by March last year, but was delayed by logistical issues, which have been addressed.

“By this coming financial year, we want to ensure all the dues are paid. The project is part of our Vision 2030 flagship project, which is contained in the Jubilee manifesto,” said Kariuki.

TOURIST ROUTE

The total cost of the entire project, including resettlement of those who opted out of their land is estimated at Sh19 billion.

Out of the 75 families, 35 are set to be resettled at Ahiti Ndomba area, while the rest will be moved to Gathigiriri in Mwea.

Presently, the site has only a handful of families who are still waiting for their compensation.

Ms Kariuki was optimistic that by August, construction works will have started.

Governor Joseph Ndathi, who accompanied the PS said once completed, the project will not only double rice production at the Mwea Irrigation Scheme but also create more employment opportunities.

Mr Ndathi urged investors, especially those interested in the hotel industry to start putting up the facilities as the dam will also be a tourist attraction. “Tourists wishing to climb Mt Kenya will use facilities at the dam site, since its located on a direct route to the mountain,” he said.