MP asks Treasury to release funds for Thiba Dam
This image taken on January 10, 2018 in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, shows the site where Thiba Dam is supposed to be constructed. The project has stalled. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Wambugu said they will continue piling pressure on the government until the money is released to Strabag Company, which has since dismissed workers.
- Central Regional Commissioner Wilfred Nyagwanga said the matter has been escalated to the ministry.
A member of Parliament has reached out to the National Treasury to release funds to see the completion of Sh20 billion Thiba Dam, which is meant to provide water for rice production in Kirinyaga.
Kirinyaga Central MP Munene Wambugu on Friday told the ministry that the project had stalled due to financial crisis.
"This is a very important project and the Treasury should provide money as soon as possible," he said during an event at Kiaga Primary School in his constituency.
Mr Wambugu stressed that they are alert and would continue piling pressure on the government until the money is channelled to Strabag International, which has since dismissed about 600 workers.
WORKERS DISMISSED
The project at Rukenya village in Gichugu was launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta on November 23, 2017.
"We have been told to go home until further notice because the company has no money to pay us and finance the project," one of the workers told the Nation.
Central Regional Commissioner Wilfred Nyagwanga said construction had been temporarily suspended due to financial hurdles, and the matter escalated to the ministry for address.
"Once the problems are resolved, the project will possibly resume next week. We are taking the matter seriously," he added.
The 100,000 tonnes of rice produced annually are not enough to meet local demand.
