Kwale locals up in arms over delayed pay for Sh20b dam project

Mwache Dam workers protest at Mwache in Kwale County over underemployment and non-remittance of NHIF and NSSF by the company on March 16, 2024. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]

Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa was on Wednesday greeted with protests over delayed compensation for property destroyed at the over Sh20 billion Mwache Dam project in Kwale County.

Hundreds of Project Affected Persons (PAPs) also said the government had failed to relocate three schools affected by the multi-purpose dam whose construction started last year before stalling in July this year.

A resident, Bendaro Ndegwa, said that they are yet to receive funds promised by the government after they were relocated.

He told the CS to expedite the compensation process and ensure that locals were hired to end feuds between them and the Chinese contractor, which often disrupted the construction.

“We want the compensation process completed and residents given jobs. We want full involvement in this project and smooth relocation of affected schools,” he said.

Another resident, Jackson Mwamvula, noted that nearly two-thirds of the residents have not been compensated for land while the project was ongoing.

Mr Mwamvula accused the ministry of dragging its feet for the past two years, saying that they were waiting for payment for lost livelihoods and relocation of graves.

“Only the residents of Fulugani and Chigato villages have been compensated. The rest are waiting for their due and the delay has caused a lot of anxiety,” he said.

Mr Mugaa said that the compensation exercise for PAPs has started and urged the residents to cooperate with the contractor and give him a conducive working environment to build the dam to supply water to Mombasa and Kwale counties.

“Once there are delays with the project, money gets lost. It is the taxpayers’ money that is lost. Let us not interfere with the construction work and present grievances to my office. I promise to listen to all of you.

“The National Treasury has already released Sh500 million to compensate the first batch, except for a few who do not have proper documents. The National Treasury also committed that another Sh500 million will be released to award affected residents of Mwavumbo and Bofu areas,” the CS said.

He noted that the project was unique "because it has a component for the restoration of livelihoods of PAPs before they are relocated". A total of Sh4.4 billion is required for land acquisition affecting at least 4,000 PAPs.

Mugaa said the government has asked the contractor to give 70 per cent of jobs to the locals to ensure they fully benefit from the project.

“I have ensured that you are considered when seeking employment at the construction site. Please do not let us down,” he added.

Kinango MP Gonzi Rai said that after residents stopped construction work, he had to take the matter to Parliament to pressure the National Treasury to release the funds.

“I have fought hard to ensure residents are compensated so that the project is not disrupted and delayed,” he said.

Also present was the Water and Sanitation Principal Secretary Julius Korir.

At the same time, Mugaa asked residents to be part of the decision-making on the construction of Fulugani Primary School, Nunguni Primary School, and Mwache Bridge Early Childhood Development Centre, which were affected by the project.

He urged them to decide on the type of structures they want and the facilities to be included.