Nyeri, Kenya: The Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) is urgently seeking Sh 1.1 billion to compensate Gatundu residents, facilitating the securement of the Karemenu II dam’s buffer zone. This measure is critical for the construction of a protective fence around the dam, aimed at safeguarding the surrounding communities.
According to Kenya News Agency, Engineer Kiprono Rop, who spoke in Nyeri during a status report before the Central Regional Implementation Coordination and Management Committee (NGD-RICMC), the need for land acquisition around the 60-metre-high Karemenu II dam has become pressing. Despite the dam being operational, the 30-metre buffer zone remains unsecured, delaying the construction of a Sh 50 million fence. This situation poses a significant danger to residents, especially with the ongoing El-nino rains increasing the risk of water spilling over from the dam.
Eng Rop explained that while the total required compensation amounts to Sh 4.1 billion, an immediate allocation of Sh 1.1 billion is critical to relocate residents living around the dam, thereby preventing potential fatalities. The urgency of this matter was heightened by threats from residents of Kiriko, Gathanji, Gituamba, and Iruri villages in June to drain water from the dam over delayed land compensation of Sh 4.3 billion. The dispute centers on individuals not initially listed as affected by the dam’s construction, who were later asked to cede land for the buffer zone.
The delay in compensation, promised following the completion of property valuation in February, has exacerbated tensions, with the National Land Commission yet to disburse funds. Eng Rop noted the reluctance of some residents to part with a portion of their land, preferring instead to sell their entire property and relocate.
The Karemenu II dam, covering 600 acres and constructed at a cost of Sh 24 billion, was a joint venture between the Government of Kenya, the China Exim Bank, International Holding Corporation, and the Shanghai Municipal Engineering Design Institute. It was designed to enhance the water supply to Thika, Juja, Ruiru, and parts of Nairobi, providing 23,000 cubic meters of water per day.
As of Saturday, the water levels in the dam had reached 97 percent capacity. Eng Rop warned of the imminent risk of the dam spilling over, potentially as early as today (Sunday). He emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing six fatalities already recorded due to the lack of a fence around the dam. Rop stressed the need for immediate government action to prevent further tragedies and improve security around the reservoir.