CS Njeru Winds Up Inspection Tours of Dams and Irrigation Schemes in Nyanza Region
CS Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Mr Zachariah Njeru,EGH accompanied by the PS Irrigation Mr Ephantus Kimotho,CBS,officials from the National Irrigation Authority and National Water Harvesting Authority today concluded a 2-day inspection tour of Western Kenya and Nyanza region, by site visit to Koru-Soin Multipurpose Dam and Ahero Settlement Scheme in Kisumu County.
Speaking to the Media and the local community representatives at Got Alila Hill site of the dam,the CS said the project will have multiple benefits to residents of Kisumu and Kericho counties where it sits by fostering irrigation,generation of hydro power,flood control along R. Nyando and and a boost to domestic water requirements.
The dam, he pointed out,will rely more on gravity-fed Irrigation system and and thus ensure low sustainability and low operational costs
CS Njeru disclosed that the Kes 19.9 billion project will greatly be contribute to the food and nutrition security in line with Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
The local People Affected (PAPs)by the Project appreciated the effort and the presence of the Government,while urging for finalisation of the outstanding compensation issue.
At 14,868 -acre Ahero Irrigation Scheme ,the CS said the Government was keen to enhance and broaden the irrigation component to meet the country’s rice requirements which stand at 700,000 metric tones and slash down over reliance on imports.
Ahero Irrigation Scheme has 4 electric driven pumps of which 3 are operational and heavily relies on the use of open earth canals for irrigation purposes.
CS Njeru promised farmers that the damaged pump will be repaired soin but hastened to point out that eventually gravity-driven irrigation was more sustainable and economical as power bills now range at 4.5 million per month and eventually electric pumping system will have to be decommissioned.
PS Kimotho in his remarks, encouraged the locals to take advantage of the available resources,increased Government support and opportunities at their disposal to expand Irrigation activities and rice farming to boost food security and the economy.
Others who accompanied the CS were Ag Irrigation Secretary Eng Vincent Kabuti NIA CEO,Eng Charles Muasya and Board Chair Eng. Gilbert Maluki,CEOs National water Harvesting and Storage Authority John Muhia and Jackline Kemunto of LVSWWDA among others.
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