Water CS Eric Muga wants Kinango residents and a contractor to settle disputes arising from the Mwache Dam project.
He said doing so would allow the dam's timely completion after drawn-out spats caused it to stall last month.
Residents stormed the site and threw a spanner into the works, demanding compensation for the land they voluntarily contributed.
Two weeks ago, Kinango MP Gonzi Rai met with the Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho, the National Assembly Committee on Water, the Treasury PS and the National Land Commission, seeking compensation for those who vacated their lands for the Sh20 billion project.
“The two-week discussion has born fruits,” Muga said in a meeting with the residents in Kinango.
He said NLC has received Sh509 million for compensation, adding that the 2024/2025 budget allocated a further Sh500 million that will be disbursed to claimants in the next two weeks.
The supplementary budget will offset the pending Sh1.268 billion debt. A further Sh500 million will be disbursed by the end of the year. Another Sh500 million will be allocated in the 2025/2026 budget.
Residents want to be included in identifying land where Fulugani primary, Luguni primary and Mwache ECD schools will be relocated after being displaced by the dam.
Muga told them to form a seven-member committee for each affected school.
The committees will provide details of the monies allocated for the relocation process.
“There has been mistrust between the contractor and the community. In any discussion, there has to be give and take and that is why I asked you as residents of Fulugani that we have dialogue. Only through dialogue, transparency and openness can we unlock this.
The construction will need electricians, plumbers, and masons, among other artisans.
“The Mwache Lower Check Dam will be constructed simultaneously with the relocated schools. The workers can’t be in two sites at the same time meaning more youth will have to be employed” the CS said.
Muga said the dam will be a key water source for the Coast region.
The dam will ease the stress of Baricho Waterworks in supplying water to Mombasa and its environs. It is one of the flagship projects in the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“It is, therefore, important that this project be completed in time and to the best standards of quality,” Muga said.
He said the Mwache Dam is a national project and the pride of Kwale because it will be the first dam project with roller-compacted concrete.
“Let us ensure we do not delay the works any further. Let us be wise enough to resolve disputes amicably to allow the project to be completed in time,” the CS said.
“If there is any issue, let us sit down as wise people before it gets out of hand,” he added.
The dam will boost food security on the Coast because, with water conservation, the region will stop depending on rain-fed irrigation.
“Acceptability of the project is key for its smooth completion and eventual use. Please, let us use the water conservatively as soon as it is available. Let us preserve water and reduce wastage,” the CS said.
He said the government is losing billions of shillings through wastage of resources, water included.
