Man in charge of Patel dam in Solai village which has so far caused 44 deaths has finally spoken about the matter.
Speaking to Citizen Extra reporters, Vinod Jayakumar who is in charge of the 3,000 acre farm containing 8 dams said the collapse of the dam which has been in operation for 20 years was as a result of natural calamities and nothing else.
He squashed government claims that the dam was illegal.
“In 2014, we had 291mm rain but that was well distributed and the dams had taken all the water. But now, because of the heavy rain which went on for 3-4 days, it carried heavy roots and boulders, the wall became weaker and cracked, there is absolutely no issue, we are on very safe ground,” he said as quoted by Citizentv.co.ke.
Joyakumar further assured residents that the other dams that are left are structurally safe even as the KDF soldiers are on the verge of emptying one of the dams that was pronounced unsafe.
“People should not worry, the dams are safe and will not crumble,” Joyakumar added.
It was reported the government had warned the owner of the dam months ago on the safety of the dam but no action was taken.