Thwake Dam project hits milestone with completion of embankment area

The First phase of Thwake Dam is scheduled to be completed by December 10, 2024, following the final filling of its embankment area.

Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Zachariah Njeru, who witnessed the final filling and closure of the embankment area, stated that the filling of the dam is expected to take approximately two normal rainy seasons.

The final filling of the embankment sets the stage for various downstream activities that will transform water supply, power generation, and agricultural irrigation in the Ukambani region.

Currently, the construction of the dam’s civil works and related activities is ongoing, with overall progress at 93.63%, slightly ahead of the scheduled 92.77%.

The first phase of the project involves construction of 80.5-meter Concrete Face Rockfill Dam (CFRD) with a storage capacity of 688 million cubic meters.

This phase, costing Ksh 36.97 billion, is nearing completion, with the embankment already 99% filled.

The second phase will focus on developing water supply, sanitation, and wastewater infrastructure, delivering 150,000 cubic meters of treated water daily to approximately 1.3 million people in Kitui, Makueni, and Konza Techno City in Machakos County.

Phases three and four will see the installation of a hydropower system with a 20 MW capacity and the development of an irrigation scheme covering 40,000 hectares.

The Thwake Dam project has created over 1,200 local jobs and improved transport networks through upgraded roads.

Additionally, the project has positively influenced land value in the area, with increased interest in real estate and business ventures expected to further drive economic growth.

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