Construction of Itare and Bosto dams to resume soon, says PS

Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation Paul Ronoh addressing residents of Kesses sub-county on Friday, May 26, 2023. He has announced that the construction of the stalled Itare and Bosto dams will start soon after the projects were allocated money in the current budget. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Construction of the stalled Itare and Bosto dams in South Rift will resume soon after the government allocated the project funds in the current budget, according to Water and Sanitation Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh.

Dr Ronoh said this is part of government efforts to build over 100 water dams over the next five years even as it aims to enhance access to clean and safe drinking water.

The PS who spoke when he led tree planting at Koiwa High School in Konoin, Bomet County, said Itare and Bosto dams are among the projects the government plans to revive in the 2023/2024 fiscal year.

"Besides the fact that people will get water for domestic use, the dams will create jobs. They will also help fight water-borne diseases that have become a menace over the years," Ronoh said.

Bosto dam, whose construction is expected to cost Sh21 billion, will supply water to residents of Kericho, Bomet, and Narok counties.

Located in Kuresoi South

Itare dam, which is located in Kuresoi South in Nakuru County, has been allocated Sh38 billion in the 2023/2024 budget.

The dam is expected to provide clean drinking water to about 800,000 people.

"The good thing about the project is that it is going to supply water to the areas through gravity, meaning the costs will be low," Ronoh said of Bosto dam which is expected to benefit 603,183 people.

Meanwhile, Ronoh said they have launched last-mile connectivity of water from existing projects.

Partnering with counties

"We are partnering with counties and all leaders to help as many people as possible to have access to piped water. We are inviting all leaders, MCAs, MPs, and the county government leadership, to join the efforts to ensure we deliver piped water to the people."

During the event, the PS distributed more than Sh1 million worth of fruit seedlings to various groups drawn from the sub-county, in a partnership between his ministry and the Konoin NGCDF.

More seedlings will be distributed to schools as part of President William Ruto's drive to plant 15 million trees to improve Kenya's forest cover and fight climate change.

Konoin MP Brighton Yegon said he will distribute bamboo seedlings which will be planted on riparian land.