Compensation hitch slows implantation of dam project

Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa during inspection of National Government projects in Machakos County on March 27, 2027. [John Muia, Standard]

The implementation of Muwongoni dam, a project spearheaded by the national Government, is expected to face delays due to unresolved acquisition issues.

Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa stated that while construction on the designated land, project costing Sh1.2 billion has already begun with 93 kilometres of pipeline laid, the project, once completed, will have the capacity to treat 10,000 cubic litres of water daily.

He assured the residents that the National Lands Commission is addressing the land compensation challenge.

"When finalized, Muwongoni dam is set to complement Maruba dam located a few metres away to enhance water availability for Machakos town and it's environs," he said.

However, local residents have criticized the government for failing to compensate them for their land despite several meetings called to iron out the grievances.

Speaking during an inspection of a number of national government-funded projects in Machakos county, the CS said the Machakos Water Supply project is 77 percent complete with Muwongoni dam being its final component.

The project is part of the Kenya Towns Sustainable Water Supply initiative funded by the African Development bank.

During the visit, the CS also inspected the Machakos Sewage System and criticized outdated design approaches that failed to integrate sanitation infrastructure with fresh water systems, as the oversight has contributed to challenges such as water contamination.

The sewage system, now Machakos town's first centralized system, consists of four main trunks and will connect at least 3, 000 residents.

The tour also covered other projects including the Kinanie leather industry. 

Additionally, the government has completed the construction of 220 housing units under it's affordable housing initiative in Machakos county.

The team also inspected the Mutituni modern market under construction which is expected to accommodate over 200 traders upon completion.