Tharaka-Nithi Governor, Samuel Ragwa, he has clarified that he is not opposed to the building of the proposed Sh150 billion High Grand Falls Dam, but that he wants the affected residents to be fully compensated before it kicks off. Photo/the-star.co.ke

Is there a story unfolding in your community? Let Hivisasa know

Tharaka-Nithi Governor, Samuel Ragwa, has clarified that he is not opposed to the building of the proposed Sh150 billion High Grand Falls Dam, but that he wants the affected residents to be fully compensated before it kicks off. 

Ragwa said the national government has remained silent on the compensation, raising concerns on the fate of those to be displaced.

"We want adequate compensation for our people so that they can settle elsewhere before the project starts," said Ragwa while speaking at Tharaka on Sunday. 

He added that locals are in total darkness on the progress of the plans and do not even know the exact area that will be covered by the dam. 

“Tharaka people should be compensated at the same rates as those affected by the building of the standard gauge railway, and the government should tell them how they will directly benefit from the project,” he said. 

The proposed dam is expected to displace thousands of people in Tharaka-Nithi, Embu and Kitui counties, they are yet to be compensated.