Two international irrigation consultancy companies have signed contracts with the government to design and supervise the construction of Mwache dam and Nzoia Irrigation scheme projects.
The projects are worth Ksh 20.7 billion according to the Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Water and Irrigation. Mwache dam in Kwale has been allocated Ksh. 17 billion while the balance will be used up in the Nzoia Irrigation scheme. This will go a long way in controlling floods on river Nzoia.
The Japanese firm Nippon Koei has been contracted to carry out the design works of Kwale based Mwache dam project. The companies involved have been awarded Ksh. 2 billion for their consultancy work.
A total of Ksh. 800 million will be spent by the Water and Irrigation Ministry in compensating and resettling the families displaced by the project.
“We have provided the funds to resettle those who will be displaced by the water project and we are working with the National Lands Commission in the resettlement program,” said the Cabinet Secretary for Water and Irrigation.
The civil works on the water mega projects are anticipated to start in June 2017.
