Water/Environment
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti and her Kitui counterpart Julius Malombe have teamed up and formed an Ad-hoc committee that will see residents from both counties equally benefit from Masinga Dam.
The Ad-hoc Committee comprises Senior Water Executives drawn from both counties who have been entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that both counties utilize Masinga dam water equally. This is as a result of an ongoing water tussle between the residents of both counties over the utilization of Masinga Dam, with Machakos accusing Kitui residents of dominating the water reservoir located in Machakos.
Governor Wavinya while speaking to the press outside her office at white house, said that they met with the delegation from both counties and intend to work harmoniously and make sure they satisfy their constituents. “Dr Malombe and I have met with our delegation drawn from the water departments to deliberate on how to utilize water from Masinga Dam and ensure both counties benefit,” said the Machakos Governor.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti seated across Kitui Governor Julius Malombe at the Machakos Governor’s office during deliberations with the Ad-hoc Committee that is to address and solve the Masinga Dam Wrangles between the two counties. Photo by Anne Kangero
Additionally, Wavinya pointed out that they have set up an Ad-hoc committee from both counties that will offer solutions to these longstanding issues for an amicable fair and just utilization of this natural resource. Malombe reiterated that they have met with the technical officers, advisors and water executives from both counties and have agreed to find permanent solutions that will see both counties satisfied and end the Masinga Dam tussle.
He assured Machakos and Kitui residents that they have come to an agreement with the Ad-hoc committee that they will set up a realistic timetable and plans that will be convenient for both counties. Masinga Dam is the largest Man-made lake in Kenya and is among the largest 7 forks water catchment areas that stretches to 2,200 meters long and with a capacity of 1.56 billion cubic meters of water.
It is used for Agricultural purposes, Industrial developments and sporting activities and also used for water regulation where it has an emergency spillway to mitigate excessive flooding.