Kwale locals call for fast-tracking of Mwache Dam to address water shortage

A section of locals in Kwale County has called for the fast-tracking of the Mwache Dam to solve the perennial water shortage in the region.

The residents hailing from Kinango, Samburu and Lunga Lunga have decried the scarce water supply in the area, saying it has caused them untold hardship.

Faida Bengo a local in Samburu said they are forced to walk longer distances in search of the precious commodity.

"We have been suffering because of the water shortage for the longest time. We want the government to fast track the construction of Mwache dam to solve this bitting problem," he said.

The locals said they are thankful for the rains as it has provided enough water for their crops and animals but they also want a lasting solution to the problem.

Karisa Mtane said the long distance to the water sources has caused some girls to engage in sexual activities causing a rise in cases of teenage pregnancy in the region.

The Mwache Dam which is still in its initial stage, will supply 186,000 cubic metres of water in a day to the port city of Mombasa and Kwale county.

The three regions in Kwale County have been experiencing water shortage and drought causing the loss of livestock.

A woman fetching water in Kinango, Kwale County. Residents from Kinango, Samburu and Lunga Lunga have decried the scarce water supply in the area. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

"We are hopeful that the dam will be our answered prayer. We have boreholes but they dry up as the Nyalini Dam water is not enough for the whole region. This new source will be a major boost to people living around this region," said Said Jumbe.

On Friday Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha said the dam is only 10 per cent complete and is scheduled to be completed by 2027.

However, the locals said the time set for the completion is too long.

"If the materials and everything is available we do not understand why they are taking so long to finish the projects," said Zuhura Mali.

While leading the National Government Development-Regional Implementation Coordination and Management Committee (NGD-RICMC) to a project monitoring visit to the multi-billion Mwache multi-purpose dam, the RC said the construction is rapidly gathering space as the contractor works around the clock to realise the project objective of upscaling water production.

The Coast Region Water Security and Climate Resilience Project (CRWSCRP) being implemented by the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation aims to increase bulk water supply to Mombasa and Kwale counties sustainably and to increase access to water and sanitation in Kwale County.

The dam water will also be used for irrigation purposes with more than 6,000 acres of land expected to be under irrigation for food production in Kwale.

The project is designed to have a main dam, lower check dam and upper check dam. The main dam with a height of 84 meters and a crest length of 526m will have a capacity of 127 million cubic metres of water.

This will harness water flow from the Mwache River basin for domestic water supply.

Concrete works are ongoing at the diversion channel of the main dam and the stilling basin of the lower check dam, and an aggregate crushing plan has been set up for aggregate stockpiles.

RC Onyancha assured the contractor of round-the-clock security to ensure the timely completion of the project that commenced last year.