Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa has asked residents of Kinango subcounty to be proactive in decision-making.
This is in reference to the construction of three primary schools that were affected by the Mwache Dam project.
The affected schools, namely, Fulugani, Nunguni and Mwache Bridge, are expected to be reconstructed with modern facilities installed.
Mugaa said that the construction exercise has started at the slated sites.
The public will be involved in key decision-making in terms of the type of structures they want and the facilities to be included.
The CS addressed the community during a public forum in Kasemeni, where he asked them to form committees that would represent them during the official discussion.
This came after residents expressed their concerns to the leaders about the reconstruction of the schools not going as per their requirements.
“The government has given Kasemeni residents an opportunity to participate in the construction sketch of the Fulugani Primary School that the state is building," he said.
"This relocation is to pave the way for the construction of Mwache multipurpose dam, as a way of ensuring the public is included and is part of this new development."
He added that the committees formed should later hold public forums to inform the rest on the progress on the construction project of the schools.
CS Muuga said that the compensation exercise for project-affected persons for the Mwache dam project has kicked off following the release of Sh500 million by the National Treasury.
He implored the residents to cooperate with the contractors and provide a conducive environment to enable them to get value for their money.
“Once there are delays with the project, taxpayer's money gets lost. Let us not interfere with the construction work,” Muuga said.
The construction stalled in July following compensation and livelihood restoration demands by the local community in the Kinango constituency.
Kasemeni resident, Bendaro Ndegwa, said they are yet to receive livelihood restoration funds promised by the government after relocation.
The CS told the locals they would be compensated as the National Treasury will disburse funds for the compensation exercise.
“Sh500 million was released to compensate the first batch, except for a few who don’t have proper documents.
"The Treasury disbursed Sh500 million to award those in Mwavumbo and Bofu areas, at the lower check-dam,” he said.
Mugaa said that the project has a bit of uniqueness as the livelihoods of the affected persons will be restored.
He said the government has asked the contractor to also give 70 per cent of jobs to the locals to ensure they fully benefit from the dam project.
The CS urged the people to perform once given job opportunities and not focus on entitlement that they deserve the work.
Women and young people were challenged to go for the opportunities offered for the government to offer equal chances to all its citizens.
MP Kinango, Gonzi Rai, said residents of Kinango had stopped work, demanding compensation.
After taking the issue to the national assembly, the Treasury agreed to sort out the challenge in due effect.
A total of Sh4.4 billion is required for land acquisitions affecting at least 4,000 residents.
Mwache dam is located across the Mwache River at Fulugani village in Kwale, about 22 kilometres west of Mombasa.
Construction of the dam commenced in March 2023, with the completion projected to be December 2027.
