The residents of Nyando, Kisumu County, are grappling with prolonged suffering from perennial floods, waiting for a permanent solution as the Koru Soin dam project faces delays due to financial constraints. The dam, intended to address the flooding challenges in the region, has encountered significant setbacks, leaving flood victims in a state of uncertainty.
The Koru Soin dam, projected to cost Sh19.9 billion, is seen as a crucial infrastructure project to mitigate the impact of flooding in Nyando and surrounding areas. However, the government has been struggling to raise the required funds to complete the project, resulting in a stalled construction process. Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa confirmed that the main cause of the delay is the lack of sufficient financial resources. “This dam is a game changer for the region on matters of flooding,” Mugaa stated. “Our solution to the perennial water challenges in the country is to store enough water. Unfortunately, our current water storage capacity is very low compared to other countries.”
Mugaa emphasized the critical need for the dam to tackle flooding issues effectively in Nyando. The construction of the dam would not only help manage floodwaters but also provide a reliable source of water for the region, thus improving the overall water security in the area. The Water Cabinet Secretary highlighted that the government is working on rebranding the project and exploring options for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). “We are looking at how to fast-track this by incorporating PPP or other forms of blended financing. This is the only way we can expedite the construction of dams,” he said. By involving the private sector, the government aims to reduce the financial burden and accelerate the development process.
The local community has been vocal about their concerns regarding compensation for their land, which will be affected by the dam’s construction. Mugaa noted that resolving these land acquisition issues is crucial before construction can begin. The process involves negotiations with development partners to fund both the construction and land acquisition. The National Land Commission will carry out valuations, and payments will be made once funding is secured. “I want to reassure the people of the Koru Soin area that they would be compensated once the funding becomes available. When the time comes for land compensation, people will be compensated,” he said.
The delays in the Koru Soin dam project have left the local population in a state of frustration and uncertainty. In Nyadina village, Nyakach, over 300 families were recently displaced after River Sondu Miriu burst its banks. These families are now living in displacement camps, such as Ogenya, where Internal Security Permanent Secretary Raymond Omollo visited to assess the situation. Omollo inspected health surveillance measures coordinated with the Ministry of Health to prevent potential outbreaks of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, which are common in flood-affected areas. The visit also aimed at discussing long-term strategies with local leaders, including the implementation of improved early warning systems, enhanced drainage infrastructure, and community education on flood risk management.
The challenges faced by the residents of Nyando and Nyakach highlight the urgent need for sustainable flood management solutions in the region. As the government works to restructure the funding for the Koru Soin dam project, it faces the daunting task of balancing financial constraints with the pressing need to protect lives and property from the recurring floods. The rebranding of the project and the exploration of alternative financing options, such as PPPs, are seen as viable solutions to fast-track the construction and mitigate the long wait for a resolution to the flooding issues.
In conclusion, the Koru Soin dam project remains crucial for addressing the flooding problem in Nyando and surrounding areas. While financial challenges continue to impede progress, the government’s efforts to rebrand the project and explore alternative funding sources reflect a proactive approach to expediting its completion. For now, the local community must endure the wait, relying on temporary solutions like displacement camps and improved health surveillance measures to manage the immediate impacts of the flooding. As negotiations with development partners proceed, hope remains that a permanent solution will soon be within reach for the flood victims in Kisumu County.
