The government has set aside Ksh.
10 billion to build 5 water reservoirs in Murang’a South, Planning Principal
Secretary Mr. Irungu Nyakera has said.
The mega project, which is
expected to supply the region with irrigation water besides generating power,
will cover about 17,000 acres of land.
Speaking while distributing relief
supplies food to residents of Kambiti and Mithini locations yesterday, Nyakera
said the government was negotiating with various partners who included the
French government who would assist in funding the project.
Nyakera said that the construction
works will kick off early next year to benefit Makuyu, Ithanga, Kakuzi and
Kambiti area. When complete, the project will boost food production in the
semi-arid areas of Murang’a County, benefiting 8,150 households.
“The project will include building
of five dams which will enable steady supply of water for irrigation in the
lower parts of the county. The project will tap water from four rivers - Chania,
Maragua, Kayahwe, and SabaSaba,” said Nyakera.
The PS noted that the region was
fertile and its hot weather conditions was ideal for crops to mature within
short period of time. He estimated that upon completion within the next 18 to
24 months, farmers will generate up to Sh12 billion annually from the sale of
their farm produce which will include maize, beans, bananas, rice and onions among
others.
“This project is going to improve
the living standards of the locals especially in food security and supply of
electricity. We expect to generate hydroelectric power of 2.3 megawatts for
domestic use,” he added.
During the occasion, the government
distributed 300 bags of maize and 200 each for beans and rice to the residents
of Kambiti, Mithini and Makuyu.
Area MP Mary Waithera thanked the
government for the relief food adding that the project will be a priority to
her tenure in office as this will save her constituents from the pangs of
hunger that have bedeviled them for decades.
Waithira reckoned that relief food
rations were just temporary remedy to the bigger problem but the construction
of these dams would offer a permanent solution.
All the leaders who accompanied
the PS urged the residents to ensure they reelect President Uhuru Kenyatta on
October 26 so as to help them actualise the implementation of these and similar
projects in the region.
PS Devolution Irungu Nyakeera Byte on a mega dam to be constructed in
Murang'a south to alleviate food crisis
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