Water CS. Eng. Eric Mugaa assessed the implementation progress of Umaa Dam in Kitui County recently. He reiterated the commitment of the government to ensure the project currently at 73.4 % is complete as scheduled.
During the project inspection tour, CS. Mugaa said the project monitoring exercise is crucial to ensure mistakes done in the past are not repeated. In the dynamic and demanding world of construction, regular monitoring is the cornerstone of successful project management, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency. The CS noted that all the stages of dam construction starting with problem identification, design, planning and actual construction play a critical role in timely completing of the project.
“The success of a project is measured by project completion, attainment of project goals achieved within the budget, time scope and meets the quality standards, technical requirements, environmental and safety requirements as measures of successful project completion.” Eng. Mugaa.
The CS noted that the progress of works is on course where the coffer dam is complete and grouting work is ongoing. He urged the Authority which is the implementing agency to utilize the ongoing short rains by planting trees along the water catchment area of the dam to ensure sustainable environmental conservation.
Earlier, the CS paid a courtesy call to Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe. The CS said water is a shared function between the National and the County governments hence the need for collaboration to ensure increased access and minimal loses due to non- revenue water.
Eng. Mugaa added that the Ministry has established an intergovernmental framework of engagement by the two levels of governments.
Governor Malombe thanked the CS and the National Government for their support. He added that once Umaa Dam is complete, it will create more business opportunities for the people of Kitui and improve their livelihoods.
Authority’s Ag. Chief Executive Officer Eng. Julius Mugun briefed the CS on the progress of the project. He said the 1.9-billion-shilling project located along River Nzeu in Kitui County has a capacity of 1.2 billion liters of water with a supply of 2, 650,000 litres per day to serve 75,000 people.
The CS also toured Maruba Dam in Machakos and Kalundu dam in Kitui counties; projects constructed by the Authority. He was accompanied by the Secretary Administration Kipkemei Yatich; State Department for Irrigation, Authority’s Directors Benjamin Mwololo, Rogers Chepkwony’ and Symon Mwihaki. Also present was the Ag. CEO Eng. Julius Mugun, senior staff and the local Administration.
