Government announces Sh325 billion water dam project to curb River Tana floods
By Issa Hussein |
Governor Nathif lauded the government’s efforts to address the perennial floods that he said have wreaked havoc in Garissa and Tana River counties.
The government has announced the construction of a Sh325 billion water dam on the border of Kitui and Tharaka Nithi counties to mitigate the devastating impact of perennial floods caused by the River Tana.
Speaking during a meeting with Garissa Governor Nathif Jama in Nairobi on Wednesday, Principal Secretary for Irrigation, Ephantus Kimotho, said the dam, which will hold 5.6 billion cubic metres of water, aims to alleviate the flash floods that have long disrupted the livelihoods of residents in Garissa and Tana River counties.
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The Principal Secretary noted that the government successfully renegotiated the project, initially estimated at Sh425 billion, reducing the cost to Sh325 billion while expanding its scope. The contract was awarded to a consortium of British and Turkish companies.
“We are committed to resolving the long-standing flooding challenges in Garissa and Tana River counties. This project will significantly boost agricultural productivity and economic growth in this arid region,” he stated.
This morning, Garissa Governor H.E. Nathif Jama Adam EGH paid us a courtesy call to discuss the High Grand Falls Dam project, a transformative initiative designed to address the recurrent flash floods along the Tana River that have long plagued Garissa County. The dam is set to… pic.twitter.com/WMk03qLsbP
— CPA Ephantus Kimotho C.B.S - PS Irrigation (@EphantusKim) December 18, 2024
He revealed that the project is expected to transform the agricultural landscape of the region by expanding irrigation to 500,000 acres of farmland.
“The project will also include new components such as a hydrogen fertiliser production plant for commercial farming and a 500 MW greenfield solar power system,” he added.
Eng. Charles Muasya, CEO of the National Irrigation Authority, emphasised the implementation process and outlined the anticipated benefits for local communities.
Governor Nathif lauded the government’s efforts to address the perennial floods that he said have wreaked havoc in Garissa and Tana River counties.
He urged for the timely and successful completion of the project, which he described as transformative and essential for uplifting northern Kenya’s communities.
“This project will leave a lasting legacy for the government and greatly improve the lives of our people,” said Governor Jama.
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