Government secures Sh10.6 billion for Thwake Dam phase 1 completion

Construction works at the Thwake Multipurpose Dam resumed officially on Tuesday after a nearly two-year hiatus, Water Secretary Eng. Samuel A.O. Alima announced.

Speaking during a site visit yesterday, Alima said the government has secured adequate funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to complete critical outstanding works.

“Today we are here to witness the resumption of works. " The government has got adequate funds from AfDB, and we expect the Contractor to resume works fully,” he stated.

According to Alima, the Ministry  is keen to ensure the implementation of the three critical items pending, including the completion of the concrete phase, construction of the bridge connecting Makueni and Kitui counties, and the dam gates. The contractor has been directed to operate on a day-and-night schedule.

“The next eight months will be critical,” Alima said. “We have started packaging the downstream works as well. We will be tracking the progress every day.”

Authorities hope to fill the reservoir in a single rainy season, aided by expected El Niño rains, rather than the two seasons originally projected.

“With the Super El Niño, we can finish with one season of rain. We initially expected two seasons. The catchment is big,” Alima noted. He added that the project team is hopeful of completing the filling faster than earlier forecasts.

Alima thanked the leadership and residents of Makueni and Kitui counties for their support. He confirmed that completion of the employer’s camp is underway and that workers are being recalled to the site. A dedicated desk will monitor worker welfare and attendance.

The government has repeatedly announced an allocation of Sh10.6 billion for the project. Alima said sufficient financing and budget have been secured, and the contractor has been instructed to submit a monthly work programme to ensure steady progress and adequate resourcing.