The ongoing construction of Thwake multi-purpose dam at the confluence of Athi and Thwake Rivers at the border of Makueni-Kitui counties has so far attained key milestones, with the government initiating upstream surface concreting, a critical step toward impoundment of water. Impounding is the process of holding or collecting water in a reservoir created by a dam or any other structure for storage above its natural level. The main purpose of doing this is to create a controlled water source for uses such as irrigation, flood control, creating new reservoirs, or maintaining wetland water levels.
Speaking to the media during a site visit, Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eng. Eric Mugaa explained that concreting of the embankment was the last step to prevent water from seeping through the wall.
Consequently, Mugaa revealed that the wall which is 1.5 kilometre long is where several panels will be constructed, complete with engineering joints to prevent leakages in the concreting.
“The concreting is very essential because it prevents water from leaking through the wall. it is a critical stage towards completing the embankment, with a view to impounding water in the next rainy season,” he said.
“The contractor conducted rigorous laboratory tests on concrete and steel to ensure quality of the 1.5-meter-long wall, a process expected to take 6-7 months before impounding begins,” he added.
The CS further explained that the upstream concreting starts once the settlement of the top surface at the rate of five millimetres per month, noting that this has already been attained at the Thwake Multi-purpose dam.
“We were advised by world dam experts that we don’t do surface concreting until the settlement of the wall at the rate of 5 millimetres per month, we are happy Thwake dam has attained that,” added the CS.
At the same time, Mugaa disclosed that they have applied for more financing from the African Development Bank to enable complete phase 1 of Thwake dam, though he did not reveal the exact amount of money expected.
During the event, the CS also assured the residents of Makueni, Kitui and Machakos counties that the dam will be completed as promised by the government saying they should ignore the propaganda being peddled in the mainstream media and social media.
On his part, Water, Sanitation and Irrigation PS Julius Korir said that the physical progress rate of the dam currently stands at 94.2 percent saying this will be the second largest water reservoir in the country.
The project is expected to transform the socio-economic landscape of the region by addressing decades-long water scarcity, drought and famine, which have disproportionately impacted women and children.
The Thwake Multipurpose Water Development Program, is designed to benefit approximately 1.3 million residents in rural parts of Makueni, Kitui, and Konza Techno-city in the Lower eastern region.
It is being executed in four phases, namely wall construction, generation of electricity, supply of water and irrigation components.
Upon completion, the dam would significantly enhance water security and drive economic development in a region long plagued by acute water challenges.
Others present at the function included water Secretary Eng. Samuel Alima, Makueni County Commissioner Duncan Darusi and the County Executive for Water Eng. John Kieti.
by Patrick Nyakundi
