Gatundu North residents paid Ksh1.2bn to construct dam

The government has paid out more than 1.2 billion shillings to residents of Gatundu North to pave way for the construction of a mega dam that will cost the taxpayer 24 billion shillings.

Affected areas include Kanyoni, Gathanji, Buchana and Kiriko villages.

National Lands Commission  Chairman Mohammed Swazuri led the award process at Kiriko coffee factory where he assured 2,000 residents affected by phase one of the project that the government would allow them adequate time to seek alternative land and facilitate their relocation.

Phase one of the project will sit on 171 acres of land while phase two will take up 301 acres of land.

Swazuri further stated that all the monies will be sent to the beneficiary accounts by Monday next week.

The chairman revealed that the project’s contractor will commence work on Monday adding that his commission was ready to kick off the second phase of the project.

He however said that the process could be delayed as the affected locals have not submitted their land details.

Area Deputy County Commissioner Brexton Mayambi who attended the award ceremony said that enough security measures have been put in place to avert cases of fraud.