Water CS Blames Russia-Ukraine War for Makueni Dam Delay, Faces Backlash
Eric Mugaa, the Cabinet Secretary for Water, has drawn sharp criticism after he connected the prolonged delays in the construction of the Thwake Dam, situated in Kitui and Makueni counties, to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
During his appearance before the Senate on Wednesday, March 12, Senator Dan Maanzo of Makueni questioned CS Mugaa about the recurring postponements in finishing the Thwake Dam project.
In his defense, Mugaa asserted that the current war between Russia and Ukraine has been the primary cause for the project’s years-long stagnation.
This response was met with disapproval from the senators present, who demanded further clarity from Mugaa on how the war had impacted the dam’s construction.
“Mr. Speaker, what is the connection between the war in Ukraine and a dam being built in Makueni and Kitui counties? The distance from Thwake Dam to Kyiv in Ukraine is 9177 kilometers. What is the link?” inquired Senator Wambua Enock of Kitui.
Mugaa clarified that Kenya’s ability to obtain the explosives necessary to break the rock bed foundations has been restricted due to the war, which has hindered the dam’s completion.
“Yes, the dam will benefit Makueni, it will also benefit Machakos and Kitui. During the war, our access to explosives that are needed to blast the rock foundations was not easily available. This slows down the progress of work,” Mugaa stated. The senators appeared unsatisfied with this explanation, and protests were heard before Senate Speaker Amason Kingi restored order to the chamber.
Mugaa further elaborated that the Russia-Ukraine war has had repercussions on the global economy, which in turn has had an effect on Kenya.
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Water CS Blames Russia-Ukraine War for Makueni Dam Delay, Faces Backlash
