Gatundu Locals Oppose Ruto’s Project

Gatundu Locals Oppose Ruto’s Project

Gatundu Locals Oppose Ruto’s Project

President William Ruto’s plan to build a dam in Ndarugo has been rejected by the  people of Gatundu, Kiambu County. Instead, they want the government to pay them  the Ksh4.2 billion they are due before the state can forward with its plans. One year after the construction of the Ksh24 billion Karimenu II Dam in Gatundu  North, the affected locals bemoaned the fact that they had still not received  compensation.

Ruto urged Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi to plan how the county  government will distribute the monies to the bereaved residents while on a tour of  the Gatundu  North Constituency. Politicians in the area have also raised concern that the Ndarugo Dam’s  construction will benefit Nairobi residents more than its Gatundu locals.

The president made a reference to this when he gave Water Cabinet Secretary Alice  Wahome instructions to make sure inhabitants of Gatundu North receive the same  benefits from the project as their counterparts in Nairobi. “We concurred with your leaders that there are individuals in Karimenu who have  not received their dues. Before the arrival of El Nino, they will be compensated. Residents of Karimenu can obtain water thanks to water-CS Wahome’s organization, the man stated.

“We want Gatundu North residents to have access to water from Karimenu. We need money so that it can get to the Gatundu people. Please accept the water from Ndarugo so that we can construct a dam to provide access to water for the Kamwangi people. But how are you going to develop the area if you reject it? You demand cash in front?”Yes,” the locals replied.The people expressed their outrage at the water from the dam engulfing their residences and plants, which included banana and maize farms. Prior to the start of any new projects in the area, they pleaded with the President to solve their issues.

“Mr. President, heed my warning; these politicians are not being truthful with you. Nairobi uses the water that is available to us at Ngethu, but nobody here benefits from it. One of the MCAs stated, “We were granted Karimenu Dam and we likewise do not profit from the water.