Kenya allays fears over ecological impact of World Bank-funded water project

A World Bank-funded water project under implementation in central Kenyan county of Murang'a will not affect the ecological health of the expansive Tana Delta, Kenyan officials said on Monday.

Cabinet Secretary for Water and Irrigation Eugene Wamalwa said enough safeguards have been put in place to ensure the 60 million U.S. dollars water project does not jeopardize the livelihoods of downstream communities along the Tana basin.

"We have conducted rigorous feasibility studies to ensure the northern collector water tunnel does not trigger adverse environmental impacts in the larger Tana basin," said Wamalwa.

He spoke in Nairobi during a national consultative forum to discuss impact of the 11.5-kilometer water tunnel that is expected to boost supply of the commodity to Nairobi and its satellite towns.

Wamalwa said contractors have adhered to environmental safety guidelines to implement the project that is expected to boost water supply in Nairobi by 140,000 cubic meters daily.

The implementation of the project has been marked by controversies over its likely impact on domestic water supply, irrigation and hydropower along the Tana basin.

Ex-Prime Minister Raila Odinga last week warned that the project could have devastating ecological impacts in five counties sharing the Tana basin.

He urged the government to halt implementation of the project until a scientific assessment is carried out to reassure the public it poses minimal environmental threat.

But Wamalwa insisted the government adhered to international best practices before approving implementation of the project.

"There is nothing sinister about the northern collector water tunnel project. State agencies have engaged with all stakeholders in the conception, design and execution of this project to minimize any negative impact to the environment or livelihoods," said Wamalwa.

He disclosed the project will utilize a partly one percent of water resources in the Tana delta.

The project will tap water from three rivers that form part of the larger Tana basin. It will pump water into Ndakaini dam that supplies 80 percent of the commodity to Nairobi and its burgeoning satellite towns.

Malaquen Milgo, CEO of Athi Water Services Board that is implementing the project, said it will only collect storm waters from the three rivers and will not interfere with their flow. Endit