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The long-standing compensation row pitting the government and residents affected by Sh24 billion Kariminu II dam in Gatundu North, Kiambu County might come to an end after the government moved to mobilise resources to relocate affected residents.

ASALs and Regional Development Principal Secretary Kello Harsama revealed that the government is committed to fully compensate the residents and move them to safer areas away from the already full mega dam.

Torrential rains

He noted that families in Kiriko, Gathanji, Gituamba and Iruri villages have been risking their lives living around the dam especially during the torrential rains that pounded the region. He quipped that they failed to vacate their properties due to lack of compensation.

Kello spoke while disbursing food donations to the families affected by flooding in the area, accompanied by MP Elijah Njoroge alias Kururia. Some 2000 locals received 600 bags of rice, 600 bags of beans, mattresses and blankets from the Government.

The PS divulged that the government has already spent Sh2 billion to distribute food and non-food items to flood victims in 35 counties.

While noting that some 300 Kenyans lost their lives in the flooding menace, the PS divulged that the state has adopted a raft of measures to alleviate recurrence of the disaster including construction of dams for harvest water and reclaiming of riparian lands that have been encroached by individuals. “We are here to support the families affected by Karimenu II dam overflows. We have given out 600 bags of rice, beans and non-food materials to help them cope. The government will solve the compensation row once and for all. Their cries are already heard by the government and the issue will be sorted out,” said the PS.

On his part, MP Kururia revealed that the government has already released Sh150 million to compensate and relocate families whose homes and properties have been submerged by the dam waters.

Meanwhile, Kiambu county government has announced plans to install solar streetlights and swap out the existing ones in a bid to combat electricity bills gobbling up approximately Sh1.6 annually.

Wamatangi said he has been paying Sh180 million per month on electricity bills only, and has issued a directive prohibiting new installations of electricity-powered streetlights and ordered replacement of existing ones.

Further, Wamatangi has directed that county installations such as hospitals, administrative buildings, and water projects be gradually installed with solar energy sources.
“Besides occasional disruptions caused by power outages and disconnections resulting from unpaid bills and low voltages, my government has been spending over one billion shillings on electricity,” he revealed.