The Africa Development Bank has agreed to loan Kenya an additional Sh7 billion to ensure the timely completion of the Thwake Dam project, President William Ruto has said.
Addressing the public at Unoa ground in Makueni county, the President acknowledged a financial shortfall for the project.
“You have asked me about water. I was here and I assured you that we will complete Thwake by mid this year,” President Ruto affirmed.
“The money that we had has gone low, so it forced me to go back to the African Development Bank who have agreed to add us Sh7 billion so that we may be able to complete the project,” he added.
The Head of State assured the residents that the dam would be inaugurated before the end of the year, ensuring a sustainable supply of domestic and agricultural water.
“I have discussed with your leader that the new timetable because of additional work and additional resources is that before the end of the year, I’ll come and open the dam,” he stated.
President Ruto also highlighted a modification to the initial architectural plan, explaining that the dam’s wall would be raised further to optimize water harvesting.
“We have had a small issue because we were forced to uplift the wall so that we may harvest more water. Our experts have indicated to us that it is better we increase our embankment so that we can store more water,” he stated.