After a temporary hiatus, the construction of the Sh38 billion Itare Dam is set to resume within the next three to four months under the auspices of the national government.
This announcement brings renewed hope for the completion of the vital water infrastructure project.
During a recent visit to part of the Itare dam site in Sachang’wan, Molo Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Ngura Mwamachi expressed optimism about the project’s significance for the Nakuru residents and beyond, indicating that the construction of Itare dam is poised to bring about transformative benefits to the region, particularly in terms of water supply.
The Itare dam project is unique in its commitment to involving the local community, Mwamachi said, adding that 70 per cent of the workers contributing to the dam’s construction will be residents of the Nakuru area.
This approach not only boosts employment opportunities for the local population but also ensures that the project remains closely tied to the community it serves.
Once completed, the Itare Dam will have the capacity to supply over 100,000 cubic metres of clean and safe water daily.
This development is a significant step towards addressing the water scarcity challenges faced by Nakuru County and the surrounding areas.
The resumption of the dam construction project that will benefit 800,000 residents is not just a sign of progress but a testament to the government’s commitment to ensuring access to clean and safe water for the region.
The dam construction was rocked by corruption and, thereafter, financial trouble by the contractor, CMC Di Ravena.
It has been allocated Sh 1.2 billion of the Sh 50 billion that the government has set aside for dam construction over the next three years.
As the project moves forward, it brings with it the promise of a more sustainable and prosperous future for the residents of Nakuru and beyond.
By Emily Kadzo and Lauryn Njambi
