Raila: Govt must stop controversial water projects
Opposition Chief Raila Odinga has once more told the Jubilee government to stop all controversial water projects, saying that these mega projects will lead to desertification in various regions.
Speaking during on Sunday in Borabu, Nyamira County, the former Prime Minister said the Gusii region could be adversely affected if the controversial Itare Dam project is not stopped.
The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) principal says the project will impact water volumes of Rivers Nyando, sondu Miliu, Gucha and Mara.
Raila claims the dam will not benefit the general public, instead alleging that the water will benefit a few individuals in Nakuru and Naivasha where the water will be channeled to.
According to Raila, the rivers (Yurith, Sise, Kipsonoi, Itare Ndoinet, Timbilil, Chemosir, Itare Kiptiget, Itare Chemosit, Diony Soet, Kipchorian, Songol and Jamju) will be diverted by the project. This, he says, will eventually turn eight surrounding counties into deserts.
He said during the Kibaki regime, the government had come up with a plan to curb water challenges in the country, adding that such a dam could only be constructed after thorough environmental audit to ascertain impact.
The Cord leader said that he raised alarm so that the government could shelve the multibillion plans until proper audit is carried out and all stakeholders involved.
Read also: Govt. secures Sh20.7bn for water projects
He was speaking during the burial of Periz Kegoro, the wife of former West Mugirango MP Benson Kegoro.
The funeral was also attended by Chief Justice David Maraga, Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama, among other leaders.
Additional reporting by @Eric_Ndubi
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