Killer Solai dam boss finally speaks

The man in charge of the killer Solai dam which has so far claimed the lives of 44 people, has disputed the government’s statement that it was illegal.

Speaking exclusively to Citizen Digital, Vinod Jayakumar, who oversees the 3000-acre farm which hosts 8 dams, said the collapse of the Milmet dam which has been in operation for 20 years, was due to natural calamities and not because it was an illegal structure.

“In 2014, we had 291mm rain but that was well distributed and the dams had taken all the water. But now, because of the heavy rain which went on for 3-4 days, it carried heavy roots and boulders, the wall became weaker and cracked, there is absolutely no issue, we are on very safe ground,” he said.

Jayakumar further moved to assure residents that the other dams in the farm are safe and that they are satisfied with their structural integrity even as KDF water engineers continue to empty out Tindres dam after it was termed unsafe.

“People should not worry, the dams are safe and will not crumble,” said Jayakumar.

It has since emerged that the government had flagged the dam as unsafe and alerted the owners about its structural integrity six months ago but no action was taken.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has ordered the Inspector General of Police to conduct investigations into the Solai dam tragedy.

While expressing his condolences to the affected families, Jayakumar,  said that the Patel farm has been distributing food and blankets to the 2500 displaced people currently camping at Solai Boys High School.

“We have been sending 2500 loaves bread everyday but we will up it to 4000 tomorrow, 1200-1300 litres of milk for the children and the older people, 500 blankets, 300 sweaters and a truckload of maize flour and beans are on the way,” said Jayakumar.

The collapse of the, Milmet dam has so far claimed the lives of 44 people and left over 2000 others displaced.