Members of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water, and Irrigation expressed growing apprehension regarding the sluggish advancement of the Sh82 billion Thwake Dam Project in Makueni County.
Led by David Bowen, MP for Marakwet East, the committee embarked on a fact-finding mission over the weekend to assess the project’s lethargic pace. The Thwake Dam, designed for water storage and power generation in Kitui and Makueni counties, came under scrutiny during a presentation by the project consultant.
Project delays were attributed to government funding delays, inflation-induced cost escalations, and land acquisition challenges.
The project consultant outlined various social impact initiatives, including contributions to education, water, and health sectors, but committee members remained skeptical.
Makueni MP Suzanne Kiamba scrutinized the reasons for the delays and urged the contractor to maintain transparency.
Committee members, including Paul Nzengu (Mwingi North), raised concerns about the sluggish progress and sought clarity on the provided explanations.
Nzengu stated, “We want a comprehensive breakdown of Corporate Social Responsibility spending,” given the substantial project budget.
The members questioned the validity of the reported 87% completion and called for a thorough investigation into the project’s geotechnical aspects, scope, and remaining workload. The disparity between allocated funds and observable project outcomes was also brought to attention.
Bowen warned against the mistreatment of Kenyan workers, suggesting that foreign contractors might face blacklisting if such issues persist. He called for a parliamentary inquiry to address concerns and to ascertain the reasons behind the project’s delays, despite the availability of funds.
The Committee emphasized the need for fair and accountable execution of the project, with the local community’s contributions, including providing 9,000 acres of land, expected to yield tangible Corporate Social Responsibility benefits.
The Thwake Multipurpose Dam, under the Tanathi Water Services Board (TAWSB), aims to harness the variable flows of the Athi River and seasonal water from the Thwake River. It will serve various purposes, including water supply for domestic, livestock, irrigation, hydropower, and industrial activities in the region, predominantly covering Makueni and neighboring areas, as well as parts of Kitui County.
The Thwake Dam project has a long history, with proposals dating back to the colonial era in 1953 and resurfacing in the 1980s, but had remained unrealized until recently. Despite numerous water and sanitation projects, water scarcity continues to be a persistent issue in Makueni and surrounding areas, making the Thwake Dam project vital for the sustainable availability of water.
