The government has set aside Sh2.2 billion for the completion of Yamo dam which is set to ease the perennial water rationing for Maralal residents and its satellite towns.
Speaking in Maralal town after inspecting the construction works, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said that at capacity the dam holds 1.5 million cubic meters of water and can pump 6,000 cubic meters of water per day.
He added that the second phase which includes laying of the reticulation pipeline will be completed in June 2026.
“We are expediting the works and in one year, the whole project will be completed both the dam and the reticulation to make sure the people of Maralal have enough water for domestic use and for their livestock.” He said.
The Deputy President also officially opened the Maralal Municipal market which was constructed at a cost of 73 million shillings through a national and county government collaboration.
He said that the modern market which is the first of its kind in Samburu County will offer modern and dignified spaces for small scale traders with special rooms for lactating mothers, coolers for preservation of fresh produce, a boardroom and an ICT hub to facilitate e-commerce.
The DP also assured Maralal residents of the government’s commitment to end perpetual power blackouts through the construction of a 330 million power substation in Rumuruti town in Laikipia county.
“The power substation is 40 percent complete and it is expected to end the power blackouts in Maralal town,” he said.
Kindiki further noted that other national governments projects within Samburu county are at an advanced planning stage such as the tarmacking of the Maralal-Baragoi road, Kisima-Wamba road and the stage improvement of the Naibor-Suguta-Maralal road.
Accompanying the Deputy President was Samburu County governor Lati Lelelit, Samburu west MP Naisula Lesuuda, Njoroge Kururia (Gatundu North), John Bwire (Taveta) among others.
By Robert Githu
