Water CS Mugaa warns of massive financial losses incurred on delayed govt projects
By Luke Oluoch, December 14, 2025Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation Eric Mugaa has sounded an alarm over the government losing money over delayed and stalled projects.
In a statement on his X page on Sunday, December 14, 2025, Mugaa expressed concerns with the slow progress of two crucial water projects in Tharaka Nithi County: Kanjogu Dam and Thambo Dams.
He challenged the contractors involved with the engineering projects to harness work and ensure value for the millions expended in the projects.
Losing money
“We need to make some key changes to deliver projects within stipulated timelines; otherwise, value for money is lost in the process. It’s tough, but we need to embrace the challenges that come with engineering projects!” he stated.
According to the CS, the dams are critical for water supply projects in the region, with their completion set to significantly improve access to potable water for thousands of families in the county, benefiting areas such as Chogoria, Muthambi, Igoji East, Mwimbi, and beyond.
Meet deadlines
During the visit, the Cabinet Secretary emphasised the need for the contractors to speed up the work to meet the stipulated deadline of May 2026. He urged the contractor on site to take their work seriously and ensure the stipulated deadlines are met with proper supervision and resource allocation to maintain high standards.
PS Julius Korir also expressed concerns about the slow pace of the Thambo Dam and warned that any further delays may result in reassigning the remaining work to a different contractor.
Delayed water projects
According to information from the ministry, the 18-meter-high Kanjogu dam project, with a storage capacity of 893,395 m³, is currently 52.4% complete and moving forward.
However, the 18-meter-high Thambo Dam, with a storage of 439,007m³, meant to benefit communities in Igoji East, Mwimbi, and parts of Chogoria Ward, remains only 42% complete.
The ministry noted that despite the project’s significance in providing sustainable water solutions and improving livelihoods in the region, they stalled due to contractor challenges.