The government has stepped in to unlock the stalled Thambo Dam project in Tharaka Nithi County after months of slow progress caused by contractor challenges.
Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation Julius Korir and Water Secretary Eng. Samuel Alima on Tuesday met with officials from the Tana Water Works Development Agency and the project contractor to review the status of the dam and agree on urgent measures to get works back on track.
The meeting came weeks after a site inspection by the Cabinet Secretary and the Principal Secretary, who raised concerns over the pace of construction and directed that immediate action be taken to prevent further delays.
It was agreed that the remaining works will be reassigned to a new contractor through a mutual arrangement, a move aimed at speeding up completion and ensuring the project meets its original goals.
Once completed, the 18-metre-high Thambo Dam, which can store over 439,000 cubic metres of water, is expected to improve water access for residents of Igoji East, Mwimbi and parts of Chogoria Ward, areas that have long struggled with water shortages.
The project is currently 42 per cent complete, but progress had slowed significantly due to contractor-related setbacks.
The Ministry of Water says it remains committed to clearing bottlenecks, strengthening supervision and ensuring the dam is delivered to support households, farming and local economic activities in the region.
