Construction of the Ksh 10.6 billion Thwake Multipurpose Dam has resumed after nearly two years, with the government saying funding has been secured to complete the delayed project.
Water Secretary Eng. Samuel Alima said the African Development Bank (AfDB) had provided sufficient financing to enable the contractor to return to full-scale operations at the site.
The remaining works on the project comprise completion of the concrete phase, construction of a bridge linking Makueni and Kitui counties, and installation of the dam gates.
The contractor has been directed to work around the clock, with the government targeting completion of the outstanding works and commencement of reservoir filling by the end of January 2027.
“The next eight months will be critical. We have started packaging the downstream works as well. We will be tracking the progress every day,” said Alima during a visit to the project site.
The government expects the reservoir to fill within one rainy season, rather than the two seasons previously projected, if anticipated heavy rains materialise.
“With the Super El Niño, we can finish with one season of rain. We initially expected two seasons. The catchment is big,” said Alima.
He said the government was also completing the employer’s camp and recalling workers to the site, while a dedicated team would monitor attendance and welfare.
The contractor has been instructed to submit monthly work programmes outlining planned activities and resource requirements as the government seeks to maintain momentum towards completion.
That’s good news for the region. It’s frustrating when projects get stalled like that, so hopefully this will move things forward.