Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo has raised the alarm over the stalling of the Thwake Dam construction over 8 months ago.
Speaking in Kibwezi, Maanzo accused the Kenya Kwanza Government of interfering with the Vision 2030 projects supposed to be done in Ukambani.
Maanzo further accused President William Ruto of withholding funds meant for the construction of the dam.
“Since the dam construction was started in 2013 by former President Uhuru Kenyatta the construction has never stopped until the current government took over. The government took out almost 5 billion from the supplementary budget one of 2023 meant for the dam,” said Maanzo.
“The money was moved to other projects yet the funds are from the African Development Bank and contracted for Thwake dam construction and according to the law the monies should not be moved to other things.” He added.
The lawmaker observed that the stalling of the dam will affect many projects among them the Konza Technopolis.
“The water is supposed to be supplied to Kitui and Machakos at Konza city which means there is no Konza without Thwake dam, The people in Ukambani are hoping the dam will end water problems in the region,” he added.
Two weeks ago, workers at the dam had gone on strike over lack of pay for over three months. The construction of the dam was slated to end by late 2023 or mid-2024 and so far 83 percent of the construction is done.
During a Visit to the dam last month, Water Secretary Eng. Alima acknowledged the funding problem and asked China Gezhouba Group Company Limited – the Chinese conglomerate tasked with the construction of the dam, to stick to the program of works which accurately details timelines.
“As the Government is working on the delayed payments for the contractor, I urge the teams to ensure smooth workflow since the project has reached a very critical stage,” Eng. Alima said.
