KKVDA revives giant dam in Baringo that has stalled for three decades
Joshua Kibet-KNA
The Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) is rehabilitating water facilities in Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties to boost food and water security.
Among the projects identified for implementation and rehabilitation include Chemeron dam and Chemorongion water pan in Baringo and Kabuswa dam and Chemugul water pan in Keiyo.
In Baringo, KVDA will spend Sh400 million to revive Chemeron dam which was started in 1986 but stalled shortly after its operationalization.
In the 39 years of neglect, the dam, with original storage capacity of 750,000M3, used to benefit residents on both the upstream and downstream of the project situated in Baringo South.
Speaking when he officially launched the rehabilitation works of the dam, the PS, State Department for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development Kello Harsama exuded confidence that the project will improve the socio-economic livelihoods of those living within the catchment area.
Mr Harsama, who made an extensive inspection tour of water projects in the two counties, assured the residents of government’ commitment to restore the giant dam constructed by former president Daniel Arap Moi to its original state.
“Upon the completion of the rehabilitation works expected to last six months, over 10,500 people and 150,000 livestock will have a steady supply of safe and clean water,” the PS restated.
He added that once completed 600 acres of land will be put under irrigation for both subsistence and commercial production with an expected gross margin of Sh200,000 annually per acre from the sale of the produce.
He regretted that in the 39 years of its existence, heavy siltation has choked it, significantly reducing it to a flood plain.
“The dam was a lifeline to thousands of residents in the semi-arid region providing water for domestic, livestock and agricultural use,” he said.
KVDA board chair Mark Chesergon accompanied by the managing director Sammy Naporos said in the first phase, the authority will desilt the dam at the tune of Sh100 million, which will create a storage capacity of 250,000 m3.
A brief report indicates that the scope of works for the proposed rehabilitation of the Chemeron dam entails excavation to remove silt, embankment works to impound water, repairs of both the off take works for gravity pipeline, intake tower installation and construction of the spillway and check dam.
Mr. Chesergon noted that once rehabilitation works are successfully completed, neigbouring public institutions will access clean water. It will mitigate resource-based conflict experienced in the area and promote climate smart agriculture, he said.
In Elgeyo Marakwet, where the PS inspected some water projects being implemented by KVDA, a total of Sh129 million will be spent to undertake planned activities.
Among the projects inspected include Chemugul water pan where Sh35 million will be used for pan excavation, embankment earthworks, spillway and off-take works for gravity pipeline, main pipelines, construction of cattle trough, community water point and dam perimeter fencing.
At Kabuswa dam in the drier valley floor, the Authority will spend Sh34 million to undertake rehabilitation works.
The board chairperson added that the work is expected to take six months.
The dam has storage capacity of 45,000 M3 and will benefit 8,200 people, 1,200 farmers and targets to irrigate 500 acres.
Some of the crops planned for growing are mangoes, paw paws, tomatoes, onions, avocado, green grams and beans. These are expected to boost household incomes, create job opportunities and increase food production as envisaged in BETA development agenda.
He added that six boreholes in the lower water scarce valley will be drilled at an estimated Sh60 million.
“This is aimed at improving the lives of the people through establishment and improvement of water infrastructure to ensure a reliable source of water for domestic, micro-irrigation and livestock besides promoting environmental conservation,” he said.