Residents of Gachuba ward block roads leading to the site. [Photo/nation.co.ke]The construction of the laid out Bonyunyu dam will proceed in spite of outcry from the public.
The dam is projected to end the water shortage in Kisii town and environs.
According to the residents, about 2,000 people will be displaced, but the concerned officials have dismissed the claims saying only three families will be affected.
A man was on Tuesday shot dead by the police for allegedly confronting surveyors with a machete.
The incident came after three days of demonstrations against the project where a number of protesters were injured.
The Lake Victoria Water Services Board, through CEO Petronilla Ogut, on Friday said the project will continue.
The claims the community was not involved were dismissed by the board.“The project will go on. I’ve spoken to MP Shadrack Mose. He has given the green light to take the project to the next level. Other stakeholders and locals support it,” said Petronilla Ogut.She said 20 public participation forums were held, including meetings at Gachuba, Rigena, and Miriri on January 8.
Mrs. Ogut blamed incitement by some residents.
“Unfortunately, some people are peddling propaganda, retrogressive politics and misinformation that the dam will have hippos, crocodiles, and snakes,” Ogut said.
According to the CEO said the project will generate 1.2MW of electricity, store water and sustain supply.Is there a newsworthy accident, incident or event happening in Kisii County that you want Hivisasa to cover? Tell us what is happening by Joining this group, and have it published.https://chat.whatsapp.com/G55yrMgkiIJ49maxC2G2R8#KisiiGov