Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa has put contractors in Tana River County on notice to speed up dam construction before the El Niño rains begin.
Speaking in Garsen Constituency on Wednesday, Mugaa expressed concern over the slow pace of works, warning that delays could derail the government’s plan to harvest rainwater and protect communities from flooding.
The CS said the government has invested heavily in dam projects across the county and contractors must now match that commitment by adding more manpower, equipment and resources on site.
“We put more men on the job, put more sources on the job, put more equipment on the job, and work within the weather timelines. El Niño cannot afford to capture us unaware,” Mugaa said.
He noted that the lower Tana River region is highly vulnerable to flooding, and unpreparedness would put thousands of families at risk.
Mugaa had earlier warned residents along River Tana in Tana River and Garissa counties to prepare to move to higher ground.
The directive comes as the government scales up El Niño preparedness nationwide, including waivers for minor building repairs in Nairobi and deployment of traffic officers.
