A section of Thwake Dam ( Photo/the-star.co.ke)
Vision 2030 director general Julius Muia has revealed that the construction of Sh36 billion Thwake Multipurpose Dam in Makueni is set to begin next year.
The dam, which is expected to be complete by 2022, will solve the problem of water shortage in Ukambani and its environs. The cost of constructing the dam is likely to increase along the way.
The project, which will cover 9000 acres of land, will be funded by the national government and the African Development Bank.
According to Water PS Zainab Hussein, Sh2.2 billion has been paid to 1443 persons in compensation for the land before the project kicks off. The rest of the 198 persons living in the area where the project is expected to be constructed will receive their compensation soon.
The project has, however continued to face different challenges including tendering after ADB questioned the credibility of China Gezhouba Construction Group Corporation, which had been given the tender for the construction of the dam.
Muia said that the project has delayed to kick off because of the issue of land compensation and not funding as speculated by the residents and other stakeholders of the project.
“What was delaying Thwake was not funding. It was actually the land acquisition because that causes a lot of feelings in this part of the world,” he said, as quoted by the Star.
The dam is expected to benefit residents of different counties including Makueni, Machakos and Kitui among others once it is complete.