The completion of phase (1) of Thwake Multipurpose Dam at the confluence of River Athi and Thwake has been rescheduled to October 2024.
Water and Sanitation CS Zacharia Njeru, speaking during an inspection tour of the dam said the current appreciation of the dollar has affected purchasing of materials, besides delays caused by the ravages of Corona virus in 2019.
However, according to Njeru the government is still impressed by work progress at the dam, currently standing at 89 percent completion, which has been done as per the required specifications.
“There is no need to hurry the entire process as that will impact negatively on the overall quality of the project,” he said.
“So far Sh22 billion has been spent in the construction works, disclosed the CS, who was accompanied by PS at the same ministry, Julius Korir.
Njeru disclosed that the first phase will have to be completed before the government embarks on the three remaining phases namely hydropower generation, distribution of water and irrigation.
On the ongoing court case between China Ghezhouber Construction Company (contractor) and one of their subcontractors, Njeru said this won’t derail the government’s commitment to deliver the dam to the residents.
On her part, area Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili hailed the upcoming water project as a game changer for region.
“Once completed, residents of Makueni will get water for domestic use and also for irrigation in their farms in a bid to combat food insecurity,” she noted.
By Patrick Nyakundi
