Residents of Musoma village in Budalangi can now breath a sigh of relief following the completion of the flood control dykes constructed along River Nzoia in Budalangi, Busia County by National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority. The dyke has prevented floods that was caused by the back flow water from Lake Victoria. The project protects over 70,000 people and has reclaimed more than 20,000 acres of agricultural land which supports economic activities of approximately 7 billion shillings.
With the completion of the project, the Authority has managed to secure Musoma and Mau Mau areas from perennial floods saving households and villages that had earlier been submerged by floods. Among the key beneficiaries of the dyke are Musoma Primary and Secondary Schools, Mabinju and Mau Mau fish bandas, Musoma Shopping Centre, and local churches, including the AIC Church Musoma. These institutions are now fully operational where students and pupils are now back to school, worshipers are able to go to church and conduct their church activities smoothly. Further, there is improved sanitation which has led to improved health due to reduction in waterborne diseases.
The fish business is now booming in the fish bandas such as Mabinju Fish Banda. Other businesses have also been revived around this area which has spurred social-economic growth. There is minimal fish deaths and stability in the fish ponds, ease of access to fishing grounds hence, fish sellers are now making significant profits due to a stable business value chain.
Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eng. Eric Mugaa lauded the Authority for the timely delivery of the impactful project.
“This dyke has a huge impact both in the short and long term. I am happy the schools which had closed down are now open and students and pupils can now study without any interference by floods. Parents are also at peace know their children are safe as they go and come back from school and while in school they can now concentrate on their studies.” Eng. Mugaa.
Ag. Chief Executive Office Eng. Julius Mugun echoed the sentiments of the CS saying the Authority is proud on the impact the project has had on the lives of area residents. He added that the Authority will continue implementing the flood control systems across the country as and when budget for the same is available.
“Flood control is one of our key mandates. We have implemented and continue to implement flood control projects across main rivers prone to floods such as Lake Kanyaboli in Siaya, River Kawalase in Turkana, River Sondu Miriu in Kisumu, Chalaluma in Lamu, Perkerra in Baringo, River Awach Tende in Homa Bay, River Kuja in Migori, Methi Dam and Katipanga in Muranga, Simbi Check dam in Kericho, River Sabwani in Trans Nzoia, Sondu Mirui (Marine Section) in Kisumu among others.”
Dykes and flood control systems play a crucial role in managing water levels in rivers and lakes. They play a critical role in flood control. Dykes (or levees) are raised embankments constructed along the banks of rivers or lakes to prevent water from overflowing during floods. By raising the height of river banks, dykes help contain river water or lake levels during floods, protecting surrounding communities, agriculture, and infrastructure. Dykes also help in managing storm surges during extreme weather conditions, reducing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.
By keeping flood water at bay, dykes help in land reclamation and paves way for agricultural activities while protecting water catchment areas and other important ecosystems that can be affected by flooding. Flood control systems implemented by the Authority include dykes, gabions, check dams, and drainage canals.
With the effects of climate change, the Authority has put in place adaptive measures to ensure our projects are responsive to the changing weather patterns, environment friendly and sustainable.
