- The discrepancy between allocated funds and visible project outcomes was highlighted.
- Challenges cited for project delays included delays in government funding, inflation-related costs, and land acquisition.
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Members of a Committee of the National Assembly have raised concern over the slow progress of the Sh82 billion Thwake Dam Project in Makueni County.
The members of the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation led by David Bowen (Marakwet East) were on a fact-finding mission on the slow progress of the project over the weekend.
Thwake Dam, intended for various purposes such as water storage and power generation in Kitui and Makueni counties, faced scrutiny during a presentation by the project consultant.
Challenges cited for project delays included delays in government funding, inflation-related costs, and land acquisition.
The project consultant outlined their social impact initiatives, involving contributions to education, water, and health sectors. However, scepticism arose among committee members.
Makueni MP Suzanne Kiamba poked holes at the reasons for the delays and urged the contractor to uphold transparency.
Committee members, including Paul Nzengu (Mwingi North), questioned the rationale behind the project's slow progress and raised doubts about the reasons provided.
“We want a comprehensive breakdown of Corporate Social Responsibility spending,” stated Nzengu.
Concerns were voiced about the adequacy of CSR efforts given the project's substantial budget.
Members questioned the 87 per cent completion claim and pressed for a thorough investigation into the project's geotechnical aspects, scope and workload left.
The discrepancy between allocated funds and visible project outcomes was also highlighted.
Bowen warned against the mistreatment of Kenyan workers, stating that recommendations for blacklisting foreign contractors could be considered.
He called for a parliamentary inquiry to address concerns and questioned the reasons behind the project's stalling despite available funds.
The Committee asserted that the community's contributions, such as providing 9,000 acres of land, should result in tangible CSR benefits, emphasising fairness and accountability in the project's execution.
Thwake Multipurpose Dam is a project under the Tanathi Water Services Board (TAWSB) and entails harnessing the fluctuating flows of the Athi River and the seasonal water from the Thwake River.
The dam will provide water supply for domestic, livestock, irrigation, hydropower and even industrial activities in the region. It will largely serve areas in Makueni and neighbouring areas but also parts of Kitui County.
Thwake Dam was first proposed for construction in 1953 during the colonial days and again in the 1980s. However, the project was never undertaken.
Significant numbers of intervention projects in water and sanitation have been undertaken in Makueni district and other areas in the southern part of eastern province, but the problem of water shortage continues to worsen particularly with regard to its sustainable availability.
The proposed multi-purpose dam is being designed to serve the greater Makueni district with Kalawa, Kathonzweni, Kibwezi and Makindu as the main target areas.
Other areas to benefit include sections of Wote, Nguu and Mutito Adei areas.