Government announces comprehensive plan to tackle flood crisis in Garissa, Tana River

The government on Thursday vowed to address the persistent flood crisis in Garissa and Tana River regions.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua pledged action during visits to flood-affected areas, announcing infrastructure investments and compensation plans.

Addressing residents at Hyuga Girls Primary which is temporarily hosting affected families and meeting with local leaders in Garissa, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua emphasised the urgency of ending the devastating flood cycles along the River Tana.

"Last time I was here, it was about floods; today, I am here again. Let me assure you, next time this will not happen," Gachagua said.

The DP was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Aden Duale (Defence), Davis Chirchir (Energy) and Kipchumba Murkomen (Transport).

He announced plans for a Sh1.2 billion investment to construct a bridge at the Kona Punda area. The new bridge will replace the Garissa-Tana old bridge with a road project extended to Kona Punda section

Additionally, Gachagua revealed government intentions to expand the holding capacity of the Seven Forks dams to mitigate overflow, which triggers flooding in Garissa and Tana River counties.

He assured farmers of compensation for lost farm implements and water pumps swept away by the floods, with KenGen overseeing the process.

Gachagua also highlighted ongoing relief efforts, with food and non-food items being distributed to flood-displaced Kenyans.

The ongoing rains have caused great human suffering and immense damage to infrastructure.

Today, I accompanied H.E Deputy President @rigathi and my colleagues @HonAdenDuale (Defence) and Davis Chirchir (Energy) to visit families displaced by floods at Hyuga Primary School in… pic.twitter.com/Q9zSZNU7MJ

— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) May 2, 2024

https://twitter.com/HonAdenDuale/status/1786055340183679444

CSs Aden and Chirchir reiterated the government's commitment to compensating farmers and implementing flood-control measures.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale asked residents of Garissa to support each other during the flooding period.

"If you can help go to these IDP camps and give them food and clothing, it will be good as we are known to help each other," he said.

Duale said it was regrettable that the majority of citizens had to experience floods every year as a result of spilling from upstream dams, but that the Ruto-led administration will find a solution.

Chirchir elaborated on a multi-billion project aimed at enhancing dam retention capacity to manage River Tana overflow.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary for Roads Transport Kipchumba Murkomen affirmed the government's dedication to addressing challenges at the Kona Punda section of the Garissa-Nairobi road and hinted at potential relocation plans for those living along the riverbanks to prevent further casualties.

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama and Garissa Township MP Dekow M Barrow urged the national government to prioritize finding sustainable solutions to prevent future disasters caused by dam spillages.

Dekow said over 28,000 people are currently in various IDP camps and need urgent intervention.

The lawmaker appealed to the government to fast-track how to solve the flood menace saying it is hurting residents by destroying their livelihood.

Garissa senator Abdul Haji who spoke on behalf of Garissa members of parliament, said they had agreed with the deputy president that the government would fix the bridge.

He said they had also requested the government put in enough security mechanisms during flooding to ensure those travelling by boat are safe.

"We have agreed to have a meeting with leaders from this region with the deputy President to discuss these challenges we are facing today," he said.

On his part, Governor Nathif said the County Government was ready to partner with the National Government to find long-term solutions to the perennial flooding problems in Garissa.