MAKUENI, Kenya, Jan 4- The Government has commended China Ghezoubha Group Company for diverting Athi and Thwake River water to change its course to two mega tunnels to allow embankment works at Thwake Multi-Purpose dam.
The Dam which is being constructed at the borders of Makueni and Kitui counties is now 65 percent complete and will be ready by June 2022.
Speaking to the press after witnessing the closure and diversion of Athi and Thwake rivers to tunnels at the site, Makueni County Commissioner Maalim Mohammed reiterated the government’s commitment in fast-tracking the project towards successful completion.
“As stakeholders, the various Ministries, State Department and Agencies are working together to ensure that the contractor is paid on time to fast track the construction work at the site and they have no reason to delay,” said Mohammed.
Consequently, Mohammed disclosed that the government is in the final stages of acquiring additional 60 acres of land at a cost of 45 million to facilitate the construction of spillways, employers’ camp,s and dam expansion.
“The National Treasury has handed the monies to the National Land Commission and the process of compensating project affected persons who have already signed the awards to pave way for the construction have started,” added Mohammed.
He lauded all the leaders and the community at large for complementing the vision 2030 flagship dam project that will benefit the residents of Makueni, Kitui and Machakos counties.
On his part China Ghezoubha Group Company (CGGC) Managing director Frank Keeh, expressed their commitment in promoting Kenyans socio-economic growth and development through the construction of the Mega project.
“We appreciate the Government and local authorities for their support in executing this project that will spur socio economic development in the region besides benefiting the community’, ” said Keeh.
The project which is currently employing close to 1,161 local people directly into the dam construction, is also supporting local industries through sourcing of construction materials such as cement, steel and fuel for the construction of the dam.
When the dam will be complete it is expected over 1.3 million people will benefit from supply of treated water hence contributing to Universal Health Care by reducing water-borne diseases.
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