http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/images/thursday/jmdc2cxcf5bk8ghkfqd57b5d35d0511d.jpg
Tanathi Water Services CEO Nicholas Muthui (left) explains a point to the Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana (right), the Tanathi Chairman Njeru Ndwiga (Centre) and other stakeholders during a meeting at the Thwake Multi-purpose dam site. [PHOTO: PHILIP MUASYA / STANDARD]
The Government plans to construct a mega dam in Ukambani which is expected to generate more hydro power to the proposed Konza Techno City. Thwake dam, whose proposed site is at the border of Makueni and Kitui counties, once completed, will hold approximately 680 million cubic metres of water that will generate 20mw of hydro power. It put over 40,000 hectares of land under irrigation in the two counties. Some 640,000 residents of proposed Konza Techno city and further 674,700 habitants of both Makueni and Kitui counties are also set to benefit from the facility for their domestic utilities. The facility will be put up at the confluence of Thwake and Athi rivers. The details emerged when Devolution and National Planning Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri toured Makueni County to launch Mbasya dam in Mbooni constituency, which was jointly funded by the national government, European Union and the County Government of Makueni. READ MORE Muungano party ready to merge with Wiper for Kalonzo to win Intimidation won’t stop us from supporting Jubilee, Ukambani leaders declare He said President Uhuru Kenyatta would soon tour the county to officially announce commencement of the entire project, whose cost is estimated at Sh62 billion. “The Government recognises better drought management as one of the essential foundations that underpin the country’s growth and development,” said the CS, adding that Mbasya dam was one of the initiatives of Drought Contingency Fund that empowers communities to be better prepared and equipped to deal with droughts. Deputy head of European Union Delegation to Kenya Bruno Pozzi said the partnership between EU and Kenya was geared towards ensuring better lives for Kenyans and promoting prosperity for all. Governor Kivutha Kibwana, who hosted the delegation, said his government was open for cooperation with the national government and other development partners to improve the livelihoods of residents of Makueni and Ukambani in general.
Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2000212516/kenya-plans-sh62-billion-dam-to-boost-konza-city