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{
"id": 1526597,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1526597/?format=api",
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "The Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": null,
"content": "needed to enable implementation of Phase I, Phase III and Phase IV of the programme, which involves water supply, hydropower generation and irrigation development, respectively. The dam is a flagship project under Vision 2030, Medium Term Plan 2023-2027 and the Better Services Delivery Roadmap. The implementation of the programme is geared towards realization of universal access to water and sanitation and food security in accordance with Article 43(b), (c) and (d) of the Constitution. The completion of Thwake Dam construction and implementation of downstream components is critical in the realization of the Semi-Arid Eastern Region, economic viability through the harnessing of runoff during the rains and the release of water for various uses in Makueni and Kitui counties, among the water supply of around 150,000 cubic meter to 1.3 million people, including water supply to Konza Techno-City in Machakos County, generation of 20 megawatts hydropower to boost water supply and distribution. The supply of water from the dam for irrigation of around 100,000 acres downstream of the dam. Areas to be served include Wote Town, Mavindeni, Kalawa, Kathonzweni sub-counties, sub-urban centres in Makueni, Kanyangi, Kalulini, Nthongoni, Kisiani, Kwa Vonsa, sub-urban centres in Kitui County, and provide back water supply to Konza Techno City in Machakos County, with a cumulative distribution line of approximately 800 kilometres. The sanitation services will benefit over 10,000 people in towns of Wote and Kibwezi in Makueni County with a trunk sewer line of 445 kilometers. Mr. Speaker, Sir, to respond to Question No.1 on the status of construction of Thwake Dam in Makueni; the construction of the 80.5 high Thwake Multipurpose Dam with a capacity of 688 storage capacity is ongoing with civil works on dam construction at around 94.2 per cent completion level. The embankment dam filling which is one of key components of the dam, is recorded at 99 per cent, achieving the required elevation of 960 meters above sea level. The last layer was placed on 18th June, 2024. The spillway progress stands at 94 per cent and the upstream and downstream coffer dams are completed and operational. This being a rock-filled dam structure, a period of six to nine months was required from the last placement on 18th June, 2024 to allow the dam embankment to settle and stabilize before the concrete phase slab works are carried out as recommended by the World Dam Safety Panel of Experts, which was achieved at the end of January 2025. The remaining works are on the concrete phase slab placement, which is the plaster, the spillway bridge and hydromechanical equipment installation. The construction period was expected to end on 7th December, 2024. The anticipated completion date of the dam could not be realized for the following reasons- (a) There were delays in works progress because of an increase in dam height from 77.5 meters to 80.5 meters to increase storage. (b) Weak foundation of the dam at the riverbed, which was discovered during construction, necessitating excessive excavation and special treatment. (c)There was the COVID-19 pandemic and Ukraine issues that resulted in scaling down of labour force and lack of explosives in the country. (d) There was adequate time required to allow the dam embankment to settle before the concrete slab is done. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only.A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and Audio Services,Senate."
}