By Justus Wanzala
Construction of the Angololo multipurpose dam, a joint project between Kenya and Uganda in collaboration with the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiaries Action Programme is set to commence. The 430 square kilometer project at Kalait area, Busia county is expected to offer water for irrigation and domestic use as well as generate 1.75 megawatts of electricity.
The dam will supply 20million people with water for domestic use and putting 3,300ha of land under irrigation. Comprising of 1,180ha in Busia County, Kenya and 2,120ha in Uganda’s Tororo District.
A public private partnership financing model has been adopted for construction of this project.
According to Hellen Mukanda, Chief Officer Water, Busia, “Once the infrastructure has been set up, we will think about last mile connectivity for water systems to ensure that the public is benefitting optimally.
The project will support hydro-electric power, fisheries production, irrigation, diversification of farming and poverty alleviation.
Those affected by the project are however weary after several delays in its implementation since 2011. They say they have waited with baited breaths as the timelines were constantly adjusted delaying their expected economic transformation, anticipated jobs and tourism prospects.
Engineers have assured of constant water supply to downstream communities through a spillway that will have some water flowing back to the river from hydropower generation.
“The flooding that has been taking place downstream, will be contained. There will be no more flooding but with plenty of water, no community will lack water,” said James Mwangi, the Project Consultant.
Even though land acquisition has been settled for the first phase of the project, there are still murmurs about compensation. The project is set to be done in 18 months and is expected to reduce vices within the community such as cross-border smuggling, sand harvesting and the insecurity that is blamed on unemployment.
This story was produced in partnership with InfoNile with funding from JRS Biodiversity Foundation.
