- Musyoka said residents of at least 10 villages have been affected by the ongoing work.
- In the petition, residents decried noise and air pollution from the site, saying they were causing respiratory diseases.
Image: VERONICA NTHAKYO
A Senate committee has ordered Nema to investigate claims that construction works at the Sh82 billion Thwake Multi-purpose Dam is causing pain and suffering to residents.
The directive was given by the Lands and Environment Committee, chaired by Nyandarua Senator Mwangi Githiomi.
The committee made the recommendation after inquiring into a petition by residents who claimed that the ongoing work at the site has adverse effects on them and the environment.
In the petition, residents decried noise and air pollution from the site, saying they were causing respiratory diseases.
They said their houses have cracked becuse of the blasting of rocks done by the contractor.
The petition was presented by Makueni county assembly acting clerk Robert Musyoka on behalf of residents.
Musyoka said residents of at least 10 villages have been affected by the ongoing works.
The most affected villages are Ndindi, Syotuvali Market, Kamutinye, Kitoto, Unyeeo, Ngomano, Syongungi, Miangei, Kaseve, Katithi, Miksi and Mathangathi.
“The construction of the dam involves, amongst other activities, blasting of rocks which has adversely impacted on the lives of residents of nearby villages such as houses and shops are cracking thus posting danger to the occupants of such residents,” the petition by residents to the Senate reads.
China Gezhouba Group Company is the contractor.
“Should it be found that buildings were affected during the construction process, the contractor should be compelled upon to compensate all the persons affected,” the panel said in the report tabled on the floor last Thursday.
However, according to the Senate report, Nema had indicated that the contractor had acquired all environmental licenses and permits necessary for dam construction but appeared to be in 'contravention of the set limits.'
Further, the panel ordered that should Nema establish that the contractor damaged the environment during the construction process, it should immediately issue environmental restoration orders.
The committee recommended that Nema ensure that contractors adhere to the Work Injury Benefits Act when dealing with those wounded while on duty.
“Further, the committee directs the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation to find out whether anyone was hurt during the line of duty."
The dam is at the border of Makueni and Kitui counties.
Approximately two million people from Lower Eastern are expected to use the dam to end water problems, which they have endured for decades.
It would be the main source of water for Kitui, Makueni and Machakos counties and the main supply to the upcoming Konza city.
The dam, which is being constructed downstream from Thwake and Athi rivers, is set to cover 10 kilometres to create a lake reservoir of over 690 million cubic metres.
Construction of the dam is expected to be completed by June next year.
President Uhuru Kenyatta visited the site in July.
Edited by A.N