The National Government through National Water has put in place flood control systems across the country to mitigate against effects of floods. The Authority plans to enhance and increase these systems so as to cope with increasing floods caused by effects of climate change.
Irrigation PS, CPA Ephantus Kimotho CBS, went on an inspection tour of Sabwani flood control in Kitale, Trans-Nzoia County. Sabwani flood control project has a cumulative of 4 kilometers of dykes that protect residents of Marinda, Namanjalala, Amuka and Bidii areas of Kitale.
The PS said the dykes along Sabwani River have protected over 1000 farms. With projected yield of 30 bags of maize produce per acre, this will translate to earnings of about 120 million shillings. He added that the Authority has spent 60 million shillings on the project and another 30 million shillings has been set aside for additional kilometers of dykes along the river. Reclamation of more land for agricultural activities will enhance agricultural activities and enhance food security.
The local community thanked National Water for the flood intervention mechanisms and requested for more dykes especially along the upstream side and extend more kilometers downstream of the river.
The PS pledged that the Department will ensure additional 2 kilometers of dykes are added noting that installation of flood control systems is a continuous process where works are done in phases while giving priority to the most affected areas.
Authority’s Ag. CEO, John Muhia said the works done during the last Financial Year entailed construction of 500-meter earth dyke along the southern side of River Sabwani, construction of 185-meter auxiliary dyke along River Chemususu, de-silting of the delta where River Chemususu joins River Sabwani, dyke filling of 300 mm height onto the existing 1.1km long dyke, cutting of drainage channels on both sides of the dyke to relieve flow and construction of two cattle ramps.