Demands for compensation stall Sh29.1 billion Mwache Dam construction – PS Kimani

The construction of the Sh29.1 billion Mwache Dam in Kwale County has been disrupted due to demands for compensation and livelihood restoration from the local community, according to Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimani.

The project, which aims to enhance water supply and irrigation, is currently 12.6 per cent complete as of July 2024.

In response to a query from Kinango MP Gonzi Rai, Kimani addressed the National Assembly about the project's status. He expressed concern that the ongoing disruptions could lead to increased claims from the contractor.

"The acquisition for Priority Areas One and Two is complete. Additional funds are being secured to compensate the remaining Project Affected Persons," he said on Thursday.

The World Bank/IDA is funding Sh29.2 billion of the project's implementation costs, while the Kenyan government is responsible for the land acquisition expenses to compensate those affected by the construction.

The PS also mentioned that the Ministry of Water, Irrigation, and Sanitation is working to secure the remaining Sh2.2 billion from the Government to pay the remaining Project Affected Persons (PAPs).

The Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation Committee chaired by Hon. Kangogo Bowen (Marakwet East), has today met with the Principal Secretary, State Department of Irrigation, Mr. Ephantus Kimotho. pic.twitter.com/poZmo79cit

— NAssembly KE C'tees (@NACommitteeKE) August 1, 2024

The Mwache Dam, situated across the Mwache River in Fulugani village, Kwale County, is approximately 22 kilometres west of Mombasa. Construction began in March 2023, with completion expected by 2027.

The dam is designed to supply 186,000 cubic meters of clean water per day to Mombasa and Kwale counties and to provide irrigation for 1,000 acres, benefiting over 2,000 farmers.

The structure, a concrete gravity dam standing about 84 meters tall, has a catchment area of 2,250 square kilometres and a reservoir capacity of approximately 118 million cubic meters. Key components include the main dam, a check dam, roads, an administration block, and a base camp.

The Mwache Catchment area, which spans Kwale, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta Counties, focuses on sustainable land and water management across 24 sub-catchments.

The project includes expanding irrigated areas from 250 to over 1,000 acres using the Farmer-Led Irrigation Approach (FLID) at the Pemba Upper Check Dam.