By Philip Mwakio
The largest man-made dam within the Tsavo ecosystem, Aruba has dried up, sparking fears among tourists and hoteliers on the danger posed to wildlife survival.
Aruba Dam, located in Tsavo East National Park is one of the largest watering holes within the expansive park.
It is a popular spot where elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffalos and lions congregate to quench their thirst.
The dam is inhabited by hippos, various fish species and migratory birds.
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Speaking to The Standard, Ashnil Aruba Lodge manager Jarso Halake described the dam’s drying up as alarming.
"The tourist high season has just set in and focus for arrivals looks very promising. Our proximity to the dam has endeared us to many visitors," he said.
Ashnil Group of Hotels Sales and Marketing Manager Paul Kurgat said that lack of sufficient rains up in the Taita Hills and heavy siltation are the main causes of the dam’s drying up. Voi River, that flows into the dam, gets its waters from the hills.
Kurgat, has in the meantime, appealed to key conservationists led by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to assist in restoring the dam to its original state.
The dam was built in 1952 and early European settlers in the Taita Hills used it for fishing purposes.
It is an important congregation point for wildlife as they drink water. Tourists also get a good opportunity to view wildlife at the watering point.
