By Johnson Chengo
The National government has proposed the construction of a Mega dam at Kaliang’ombe Village in Rabai Sub-County, Kilifi County as one the long-term measures put in place to address water shortage in the area.
Speaking during a site visit accompanied by engineers from Coast Water Works Development Agency (CWWDA), Rabai Member of Parliament Kenga Mupe, said the Mega project dubbed Rabai Dam will identify other small water reservoirs to be constructed so as to provide a permanent solution to the problem.
He said if the dam will be built, it will restore enough water for the residents, who have suffered perennial water problems due to drought.
The MP said he was keen in ensuring that water problems are addressed during his tenure because it is a major challenge to residents in most parts of Rabai.
“I know water issues are under the County government but because I wanted to address this problem i have been pushing my president William Ruto and I want to thank him for instructing the water ministry department through CWWDA for siding our cries,” he said.
Mupe assured residents that massive job opportunities will be created both directly and indirectly by the project.
He reiterated that over 75 percent of workforce required for the construction of the dam project will be sourced from the community.
“The project when completed will be a lifesaver. Rabai Sub-County is quickly transitioning into an economic hub especial with the coming up of Mariakani Municipality, the dam will be one of the supper mega projects in Kilifi County,” said Mupe.
Rabai Sub-County has been facing water scarcity that has affected both human being and animals for decades.
The proposed project will be constructed along the river Kombeni banks.
The MP also assured residents whose land will be affected by the project will be compensated.
“This is one of the core pillars of president William Ruto’s Agendas in realizing the vision 2030. As a leader I welcomed the project, but I will not allow anybody whose land will be affected to be evicted without adequate compensation to start livelihood elsewhere. I will ensure that all legal procedures are followed,” said Mupe.
The Coast Water Works Development Agency will be the implementing agency of the project.
Khadija Kassim, a resident, lauded the initiative saying it will unlock the suffering of many residents who used to trek long distances in search of the precious commodity.
She said once the dam is completed it will assure daily water supply for both domestic and livestock use.
Saidi Charo another resident, said the dam will assist in recharging ground water which has been depleted due to the effect of climate change.
“Climate change has affected many things including ground waters but am sure once the dam is built it will help in restoring them,” said Charo.
The Rabai dam is part of the Kenya Kwanza government’s plan to built 100 mega and over 1,000 small dams across the Country.
