The national government is keen to ensure that Umaa Dam is completed by 2027, CS for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation Eng. Eric Mugaa has said.
Speaking during a courtesy call at Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe’s office, accompanied by officials from the ministry, the CS stated that the dam requires at least 1.96 billion shillings to be completed.
“Umaa Dam is one of the six dams that the national government is committed to completing,” he said.
He said his visit is focused on confirming the ongoing work, addressing any challenges, and ensuring that the work doesn’t stall.
The CS emphasized that the national government is determined to finish the project despite the challenging fiscal situation the country is facing.
He noted that the ministry has sufficient funds to keep the contractor actively on site and called for continued intergovernmental cooperation for the success of the project.
“We must also be very keen to ensure that every water project includes a sanitation component, and further support water resources conservation to provide lasting solutions to water challenges,” he added.
Governor Malombe, on his part, commended the national government for reviving the construction of the dam, which will help alleviate water shortages in the county. He affirmed that his government is committed to continued collaboration with the national government in accomplishing projects that will improve the livelihoods of people in Kitui.