Sh600 million payout for Mwache Dam Project-Affected Persons begins this week

SADIK HASSAN-KNA 

The State Department for Irrigation, through the National Land Commission (NLC), will commence the payout of Sh600 million to the Mwache Multi-Purpose Dam Project-Affected Persons (PAPs), as the multi-billion-shilling project takes shape.

A compensation conundrum had threatened to derail the transformative Sh20-billion project, which aims to sustainably improve water security, build climate resilience, increase bulk water supply, and expand access to water and sanitation in the Coastal region.

Irrigation Principal Secretary (PS) Ephantus Kimotho acknowledged that compensating the more than 4,000 PAPs posed a major challenge at the start of the dam’s construction, with a total of Sh4.6 billion required for compensation and resettlement.

The previous administration disbursed Sh1.6 billion, while the current administration developed a comprehensive resettlement action plan to clear the outstanding balance of Sh3 billion.

“Sh1 billion has already been paid, and people have been compensated,” PS Kimotho said, adding that the NLC has received Sh600 million, which will be disbursed to PAPs this week.

“Beginning in July, the balance of Sh1.4 billion will program, Ogamba said their training was designed to prepare teachers who are not only knowledgeable but also skilled, reflective, and responsive to the dynamic needs of 21st-century learners.

“The National Education Sector Strategic Plan (NESSP) 2023- 2027 calls for the retooling of all teacher educators for the effective implementation of the CBTE curriculum,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of teachers in the ongoing implementation of Competency-Based Education, the CS said the ministry is committed to ensuring that all teacher training institutions are well-equipped to deliver quality education to teacher trainees.

He commended the college for its achievements in a wide range of co-curricular activities, which he said formed an important component of a complete education.

He noted that under the CBTE, learning is not confined to the classroom but extends to co-curricular activities that foster resilience and invaluable qualities in the teaching profession.

“The diverse and inclusive range of learning areas and co-curricular activities offered under the CBTE provides an opportunity for the development of teacher trainees who can identify and utilize opportunities to deliver the curriculum in different learning environments,” he said.

Pledging the ministry’s support in the development of the college’s infrastructure, the CS called on the board to complement state funding by exploring income-generating activities that can be used to fund key priority areas.

He urged the board to continue collaborating with stakeholders and partners such as the NG-CDF, the county government, and other well-wishers to enhance infrastructural development.

Noting that the state had disbursed a total recurrent grant of Sh31.4 million to the college in three financial years, Ogamba emphasized the board’s significant oversight role in ensuring prudent financial transparency, accountability of the college’s resources.