Kenyan Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eng Eric Mugaa has directed contractors working on water dams in Tana River County to speed up their work and complete projects before the onset of El Nino rains. The directive aims to ensure that the projects are completed and ready to harvest water during the rainy season. The government has invested millions of shillings in the county for construction of dams as part of its agenda to harvest water.
The Cabinet Secretary made the remarks after launching the Extension of Konkona to Sheli village water supply project and the construction of Minjila dam in Garsen constituency, Tana River. Mugaa emphasized the importance of completing the projects on time, citing the flooding nature and loose soil in the county. He requested contractors to put more resources into the works and ensure that projects are completed to harvest El Nino rain water and reduce flooding in some areas.
The government has invested in two dams in Garsen, Minjila and Shifa, each at a cost of Sh50 million. These projects are part of the government's effort to invest in water harvesting. Mugaa noted that the El Nino rains are expected soon, and it is crucial that the contractors expedite their work to complete the projects. He urged contractors to put more people on the job, mobilize more resources, and work within the weather timeline.
As part of El Nino preparedness in the county, the government has given out contracts for construction of dikes around communities at a cost of Sh100 million to safeguard them from floods during the rainy season. The areas that actually flood are the lower Tana River, Garissa, Wajir, and the mature stages of the river. Mugaa stated that the dikes will protect villages and residents from floods.
Garsen MP Ali Wario echoed the Cabinet Secretary's sentiments on the completion of the dam projects. Wario noted that there is urgency to complete the projects, which will help people escape the flood-drought cycle by ensuring the availability of harvested water during the rainy season. He urged contractors to mobilize more equipment, citing the availability of funds to ensure that the works are completed as soon as possible.
Judith Mwamburi, a director at the Coast Water Works Development Agency, which is implementing the projects, stated that their engineers are on the ground to ensure that the projects stay on course for the benefit of the communities. The agency has over 10 projects ongoing in Tana River County. Mwamburi emphasized that the agency is working closely with the government and citizens to ensure that the projects are completed on time.
The completion of the dam projects is expected to have a positive impact on the communities in Tana River County. The projects will provide water for irrigation, drinking, and other uses, reducing the reliance on rainwater and mitigating the effects of drought and floods. The government's investment in water harvesting is part of its efforts to improve the livelihoods of citizens and promote economic development in the region.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has invested millions of shillings in Tana River County for construction of dams as part of its agenda to harvest water.
- Contractors working on water dams in Tana River County have been directed to speed up their work and complete projects before the onset of El Nino rains.
- The government has given out contracts for construction of dikes around communities at a cost of Sh100 million to safeguard them from floods during the rainy season.
