Raila: Govt must stop controversial water projects

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.

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

 

Tags:

Uhuru kenyatta raila odinga Jubilee Government CORD Leader Raila Odinga Chief Justice David Maraga itare dam Desertification Itare Dam Project Itare residents tell off Raila on Itare Dam project Jubilee Secret project

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories