CS Njeru Inspects Mega Karimenu II Dan Following the Start of Spillage
In the wake of heavy rains and rising water levels, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, Hon. Zachariah Njeru conducted a thorough inspection of the Karimenu II Dam in Gatundu North, Kiambu County. This visit aimed to address concerns surrounding the dam reaching its full storage capacity of more than 23 billion litres, resulting in the commencement of spillage.
Cabinet Secretary Njeru seized the opportunity to assure residents of Gatundu North that stringent safety measures have been implemented to mitigate potential risks associated with the increased water levels. Emphasizing the ministry’s commitment to public safety.
A crucial aspect of the safety measures implemented at Karimenu II Dam is the advanced spillway design, employing a stepped and labyrinth configuration. This design facilitates a controlled release of water, minimizing the risk of erosion and ensuring the safety of downstream communities.
𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗪𝗪𝗗𝗔 𝗝𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
In conjunction with the inspection of Karimenu II Dam, the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation provides an update on the current status of Thika, Sasumua, and Ruiru dams. As of November 27, 2023, the dam levels and key metrics are as follows:
1. Thika Dam:
• Current Dam Water Volume: 70.000 Million m3/70 billion litres
• Dam Design Capacity: 70.000 Million m3
• Current Dam Water Storage: 100.00%
2. Sasumua Dam:
• Current Dam Water Volume: 15.910 Million m3/15.9 billion litres
• Dam Design Capacity: 15.910 Million m3
• Current Dam Water Storage: 100.00%
3. Ruiru Dam:
• Current Dam Water Volume: 02.980 Million m3/2.98 billion litres
• Dam Design Capacity: 02.980 Million m3
• Current Dam Water Storage: 100.00%
Water catchments began recording heavy rains, leading to a gradual rise in dam levels. Notably, all four dams – Karimenu II, Ndakaini/Thika, Sasumua, and Ruiru – are currently spilling.
Thika Dam commenced spilling on November 8, 2023, at 11:20 hrs, followed by Sasumua on November 20, 2023, at 03:00 hrs, and Ruiru on November 24, 2023, at 01:00 hrs.
The CS was accompanied by the PS Water & Sanitation Mr. Julius Korir, AWWDA Ag. CEO Eng. Joseph Kamau, AWWDA Ag. Chief Manager Water & Sanitation Infrastructure Eng. Bonnie Nyandwaro among others.
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