Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA) Chairperson Joe Mutambu today on Tuesday 29th November, paid a courtesy call on Governor Julius Malombe in his office where they held discussions on the imminent desilting of Kiambere and Masinga dams.
The two leaders consulted in depth on modalities of engaging all the relevant stakeholders to ensure the exercise is carried out prudently for the benefit of local communities and environmental sustainability.
Mr. Mutambu said the desilting is meant to rid the dams of accumulating silt due to the ongoing rains and restore their full water capacity to guarantee dependent communities adequate and uninterrupted supply of clean water and electricity.
“We want to loop in and listen to the views of all concerned parties before beginning the exercise to ensure it is conducted in the interest of affected wananchi,” he told a press conference after the courtesy meeting.
On his part, Governor Malombe affirmed his administration’s readiness to work closely with TARDA towards success of the desilting exercise.
“Kiambere and Masinga dams provide water and electricity to the larger Mwingi and Kitui regions respectively. That’s why we are keen to ensure the process is done in a consultative manner,” said the Governor.
He further said a follow-up meeting will be convened in a fortnight to bring on board all other stakeholders for final deliberations on the matter.
“We will seek to agree on how the local communities will be gainfully engaged, what will happen to the scooped silt (sand), among other issues so that everyone’s interests are safeguarded,” the county chief emphasized.