The government has approved an additional KSh12.83 billion to complete the Thwake Multipurpose Dam project, which is expected to supply water to about 1.3 million people in parts of eastern Kenya.
The additional funding was approved by the Cabinet on Friday, October 9, as the government seeks to advance the project serving communities in Makueni and Kitui counties.
According to the Cabinet statement, the dam is expected to supply 150,000 cubic metres of water daily once operational.
The project is designed to benefit the people of Wote town as well as other parts of Konza Technopolis.
Apart from providing water for household uses, the dam will be used in irrigation and possible hydropower generation.
According to the government, this project will help in improving water security and development of agriculture and economy in the selected areas.
The extra funds are meant to assist in the completion of the project, even though the statement by the Cabinet did not mention when it would be completed.
Water availability is a major issue to the people in both houses, farmers, and firms requiring it to undertake their activities.
To the farmers, the irrigation aspect of the project would offer another source of water, while the domestic one will cater to the needs of the people in the two counties.
The Thwake Dam expected benefits will depend on completion and the eventual delivery of the planned water supply and other services.
