Crocodile Jaw Dam won't deplete Ewaso Ngi'ro river, says Segor

Water and Irrigation Principal Secretary Fred Segor crosses Kithima stream in Meru County on June 30, 2016 during inspection of Isiolo Phase II water project. Prof Segor assured Laikipia, Isiolo and Samburu counties' residents that the construction of the proposed Crocodile Jaw Dam would not deplete the Ewaso Ng'iro River. PHOTO | VIVIAN JEBET/ NATION MEDIA GROUP

By  VIVIAN JEBET

What you need to know:

  • Local leaders and civil society organisations have complained that the dam will deplete Ewaso Ng’iro River, affecting residents downstream.
  • Crocodile Jaw Dam is set to supply water to the proposed Isiolo Resort City which is under the Lamu Port Southern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport corridor.
  • Prof Fred Segor said the government would sensitise locals about the project and its impact on them to allay their fears.

The government has decided to consult Laikipia, Isiolo and Samburu residents on the proposed construction of Sh8 billion dam after resistance from the communities, Water and Irrigation Principal Secretary Fred Segor said last week.

The Crocodile Jaw Dam is one of Vision 2030 projects and is expected to benefit residents of the three counties.

However, local leaders and civil society organisations have complained that the dam will deplete Ewaso Ng’iro River, affecting residents downstream.

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“As the government, we will engage all stakeholders for consensus before implementing the project. We will also ensure that we will not kill the source of the river,” said Water PS Segor, adding that the natural outlet would not be tampered with to allow those living downstream to access water.

Prof Segor was speaking last week while inspecting the Isiolo Phase II water project where he told residents that their local leadership had toured the Chemususu Dam in Baringo, Perkera Irrigation Scheme and Turkwel Dam in West Pokot to assist them make an informed decision about the mega project.

Residents had faulted the government for failure to consult and involve them in the project, but the PS assured that members of County Assembly and professionals from the affected counties had been engaged in talks regarding the dam’s viability.

The Crocodile Jaw Dam is set to supply water to the proposed Isiolo Resort City which is under the Lamu Port Southern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport corridor.

The official also said the government, through the corporation,  would sensitise locals about the project and its impact on them to allay their fears.

“The government appreciates equity among all. That is why as we develop other counties, we also want other regions to come up with similar projects,” he added.

Prof Segor said Isiolo is one of the towns earmarked for Vision 2030 projects hence the need to ensure there is sufficient water and sewerage system to improve sanitation.

On the Kianjuri Dam proposed to supply water to Isiolo Airport, Prof Segor said the matter is currently being discussed.

(Editing by Joel Muinde)

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