Dream project has turned into nightmare, residents say

A fresh row is threatening completion of Sh24 billion Karimenu II Dam in Gatundu North, Kiambu after people displaced by the project threatened to drain it to protest delayed compensation

Hundreds of residents from Kiriko, Gathanji, Gituamba and Iruri villages say the dam has been a source of misery.

Valuation for the properties was done in February when they were promised instant payment to facilitate their relocation but months later, they are yet to be paid.

Locals said the project that they initially thought would end water scarcity in the country had turned into a nightmare for them.

Already, some homes are no longer habitable after they developed huge cracks that residents blame on the close proximity to the dam while many pit latrines are filled with water.

 Residents warned that a tragedy is in the offing unless prompt interventions are made to have them relocated.

“The government requested that we give them our land to finish the Karimenu dam project which we graciously did. It has, however, failed to honour its compensation promises.

We are now living in poverty as we cannot farm, develop the land and even worse is that the dam is now a deathtrap for us as the water is too close to our homes,” said Chege Karomo, a resident.

Locals said that despite raising concerns about looming danger with relevant authorities, including the National Environment Management Authority and Athi Water Works Development Authority, there has been no response.

“We have been knocking on all government doors seeking to have our plight addressed but no one seems to care,”said John Mwangi, another resident.