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Tag: Mwache Dam

  • Ksh 26B Mwache Dam nears completion despite funding gaps

    Ksh 26B Mwache Dam nears completion despite funding gaps

    The multibillion shillings Mwache Dam in Kwale County could be commissioned this year ahead of schedule according to the contractor. 

    However, a parliamentary watchdog has warned that the Ksh 25.6 billion project which is now 83pc complete could face delays due to inadequate funding for the construction of a water treatment plant and installation of distribution pipelines.

    The National Assembly Committee on Water, Irrigation and Blue Economy raised the concern during an inspection visit to the project. The visit came after contractor Sinohydro Corporation Limited recently slowed construction over delayed payments.

    Committee chairperson and Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen said the project in Kinango Constituency had made significant progress but warned that outstanding payments had affected the pace of work.

    “We are impressed with the progress of the project, which is now 83 per cent complete. However, the works recently slowed because of delayed payment,” he said.

    Bowen urged the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation to fast-track installation of water treatment and distribution infrastructure. He also said Kwale residents should be given priority before water is supplied to neighbouring Mombasa County.

    According to Bowen, the contractor is owed Sh1.9 billion in unpaid certificates. He said the committee would push the National Treasury to release funds to keep the project on schedule.

    He added that Ksh 5.8 billion has been allocated to the project in the proposed national budget that will be tabled in Parliament next month.

    Bowen also called on National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi to visit the site and ensure prompt payment to the contractor.

    During the visit, Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza clashed with Water Secretary at the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Engineer Samuel Alima, over compensation for residents whose houses were damaged during rock blasting.

    While Alima said the ministry had recommended rehabilitation of the affected houses, Tandaza demanded full compensation.

    “We demand that the house owners be fully compensated and not just repairs,” said Tandaza.

    Alima said 244 houses had been damaged. However, local residents led by Kasemeni MCA Victor Safari disputed the figure, saying at least 500 houses were affected.

    Tandaza also called for compensation of 2,000 Project Affected Persons who have been waiting since 2021, when the first batch of residents was compensated and relocated. He blamed the delay on the National Land Commission.

    The dam project has a total of 4,000 Project Affected Persons.

    The legislator further insisted that Kwale residents should benefit first from the water project before any supply is extended to Mombasa County.

    Engineer Alima said the ministry expects the dam to be completed by the end of this year.

    The dam is designed to supply 186,000 litres of water daily.

    President William Ruto launched construction of the project in 2023

  • Mwache Multipurpose Dam project enhances education in Kwale with local student sponsorship

    Mwache Multipurpose Dam project enhances education in Kwale with local student sponsorship

    In an exciting effort to enhance educational opportunities for local youth, Sinohydro Co., Ltd., the contractor for the Mwache Multipurpose Dam Project, recently organized a bursary distribution event at Flughani School in Kwale County.

    A total of 100 students received bursaries totalling Ksh 1 million, highlighting the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.

    The Mwache Multipurpose Dam Project is managed by the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation and is funded by the World Bank. This project is a vital initiative within the Kenyan government’s “Vision 2030” framework, aiming to enhance the livelihoods of local communities while serving as a flagship programme.

    The bursary programme is specifically tailored to support vulnerable students from communities surrounding the Mwache Dam Project, particularly in Kasemeni and Mwavumbo Wards. A comprehensive selection process, which included home visits and interviews, ensured that the bursaries were awarded to those most in need. The funds will be deposited directly into the school accounts of the recipients.

    Omar Shemote, Director of Education for Samburu Sub-County in Kwale County, commented at the bursary event, “This bursary represents a pivotal opportunity for these students to transform their lives. It not only alleviates their current financial challenges but also ignites hope for their future, motivating them to excel academically and strive for their dreams. Investing in education will cultivate skilled individuals who can propel our community forward and establish a strong foundation for its prosperity.”

    Expressing gratitude on behalf of the sponsored students, Mwaka Tonwa said, “I am immensely thankful to the Chinese enterprise for their support. I am committed to studying diligently and hope to use my education to give back to society. My aspiration is to help others in need, just as I have been helped.”

    Xiao Fei, Construction Manager for the Mwache Multipurpose Dam Project, underscored the importance of community engagement, stating, “As the contractor for the Mwache Multipurpose Dam project, we recognize that the support and understanding of the local community are crucial for the project’s success. This bursary initiative is a vital step in fulfilling our commitment to corporate social responsibility. We aspire to contribute positively to Kenya’s educational landscape and hope that these students will one day join the Sinohydro family, furthering the development of Kenya.”

    Construction of the Mwache Multipurpose Dam began on March 4, 2022, and is scheduled for completion by the end of August 2027. Upon its completion, the dam is expected to supply an impressive 186,000 cubic metres of potable water daily to the counties of Mombasa and Kwale, while also irrigating 2,000 hectares of surrounding farmland. This initiative will play a crucial role in bolstering local water security and food sustainability.