Completion of the multi-billion shillings Thwake Multipurpose Dam has been extended for another six months with the government now confident of realizing the project in July next year.
The Ksh 36 billion dam which is jointly being funded by the Government of Kenya and the African Development Bank (AfDB) has been facing delays since construction began in March 2017.
According to Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Muuga, the project which ha a designed capacity of 688 million cubic meters is currently at 94.2pc is on track to be completed next year.
“During my inspection tour today, I witnessed the Contractor commence the upstream dam surface concreting to strengthen the dam wall’s durability, protect against erosion, and prevent internal cracks that could compromise structural integrity. This was among the few remaining key components to complete the dam,” he said.
Project components include Concrete Face Rockfill Dam (CFRD), a vast reservoir, a spillway, diversion tunnels, outlets, and power and water intakes.
The multi-purpose dam which is now four years behind schedule due to COVID-19 and budget constraints sits on 2,900ha of land and once complete, is expected to irrigate 40,000ha of farmland, generate 20 megawatts of power and provide clean drinking water to 1.3 million people in Konza City, Kitui and Makueni counties.
“The government remains steadfastly committed to delivering impactful projects like the Thwake Dam, ensuring lasting benefits for the people of Kenya,” he added.
At the same time, Muuga said the government is on course to oversee full implementation Mwache Multipurpose Dam in Kwale County. The project is currently 47pc complete.
