Sh10bn dam project faces new hurdle

A Sh10 billion water dam project hangs in the balance after more than 300 farmers in Kirinyaga County vowed to resist relocation until they are compensated.

The dam, to be built at Rukenya in Gichugu Division is meant to expand rice irrigation in Mwea plains.

The farmers, through a committee, accused the government of keeping them in the dark by failing to provide detailed information on how they will be compensated.

“We have only been told that our farms which have been identified as ideal for the project will be taken and compensation paid.

“But we have other property such as trees, houses and coffee crops... they have not told us how they will pay for it,” committee secretary Daniel Kariuki told the Nation in Kerugoya town.

Committee chairman Caesar Njagi said that whereas farmers were not opposed to the project, they would resist any move to displace them before they were compensated in full.

“Unless we are paid for everything that belongs to us we shall not move out of our farms to give space for this major project,” he warned.

In response, a senior National Irrigation Board official, Mr Hosea Wendot, said all mechanisms for the construction of the dam were in place and there would be no retreat.

Mr Wendot, who is the manager in charge of Mwea Irrigation Scheme, however, assured the farmers of the government’s commitment to honour its pledges.

“There is no cause for alarm as the government is prepared to pay for whatever property the farmers are set to lose,” he stated.

He also clarified that those whose farms would be taken over would be required to move to their new land parcels by September next year.

Mr Wendot disclosed that feasibility studies had been done and a contractor given the tender. The project requires 500 acres.

The manager expressed the government’s commitment to open up new rice farms at Mutithi village to increase rice production and enhance food security.

Mr Wendot said the country had been unable to produce enough rice for local consumption and for export despite having the potential.

The dam would also end the perennial water shortage in the expansive scheme which produces 80 per cent of the rice consumed in the country.