Govt to build more dams to curb floods menace

Govt to build more dams to curb floods menace

Deputy President William Ruto has said that the government will build dams to curb the floods menace in the country.

The dams will be located on Rivers Tana, Sabaki and Galana, Mr Ruto said, adding that the State would assist victims of the flood-raged Kilifi and Tana River counties.

“The national government in collaboration with the counties will also embark on tree planting as part of the measures to curb this problem,” Mr Ruto said while addressing area residents.

Mr. Ruto, who is on a two-day visit to the Coast, noted that Ksh.1.5billion has been set aside to complete the construction of the Bura Water Canal, which will act as a source of water for irrigation.

This is part of the government initiative to deal with the recurring food shortages in the region, he added.

The Bill on the establishment of the Disaster Risk Management Authority that is before the Cabinet will be fast-tracked to help deal with emerging issues, he assured residents.

The DP also indicated that food rations allocated to the affected areas would be increased from 6,000 bags to 10,000 bags monthly.

Mr Ruto however urged humanitarian agencies responsible for relief food distribution to ensure that only deserving cases benefitted from the supplies.

“We have also given more resources to Red Cross to help in assisting the affected families. The provincial administration must, therefore, work together with other agencies to ensure the food supplies reached the intended persons in good time,” he said.

Tana River Governor Dhadho Godana decried the loss of hundreds of lives since the beginning of the heavy rains.

He said more than half of the county’s resources have been used in containing the situation at the expense of planned development projects.

On his part, Water CS Simon Chelugui said his ministry is conducting an assessment to determine critical areas.

“Engineers are carrying out a national assessment to establish the areas ideal to construct the dams to contain floods and also provide water for domestic and irrigation use,” said Mr Chelugui.

Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi said it is time Coast region leaders came up with ways of eradicating the perennial food shortage.

“There is need for a more coordinated approach between the national and county governments on disaster management,” he said.

Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa reiterated that out of the 32 counties affected by floods across the country, the situation was worst in Tana River, but the government is working with aid agencies to contain the situation.

Other leaders who accompanied the DP include lawmakers Suleiman Dori (Msamweni), Steward Madzayo (Kilifi), Juma Wario (Tana River), Ali Wario (Bura), Benjamin Tayari (Kinango), Said Hiribae (Galole) and Devolution CAS Hussein Dado.

 

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