Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has reprimanded a section of leaders who have illegally acquired land earmarked for the construction of the Miwongoni Mega Dam and urged them to surrender the plots to genuine Sacco members for compensation.
Speaking on Wednesday during her ongoing development tour of Machakos Town Sub‑county, the Governor alleged that a local MP and several Members of the County Assembly had grabbed 18 plots in the project area, delaying compensation and stalling implementation of the dam.
“The Machakos people are suffering because of you. Shame on you, local leaders. Give back those 18 plots that you have taken from the poor people so that they can get compensation. When they get compensation, I will give them land to go build their houses,” Wavinya told residents outside Makakoi Dispensary in Kalama Ward.
She appealed to President William Ruto to intervene, saying the leaders behind the land dispute were responsible for the stagnation of the project. “Your Excellency, these are the people behind the stagnation of the Miwongoni Dam project, yet residents of Machakos are blaming you for the delays in its implementation,” she said.
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The Governor insisted that only legitimate landowners should benefit from compensation, warning that alleged land grabbers must not be rewarded. She stressed that resolving the land issue was critical to unlocking construction of the dam, which is expected to significantly boost water supply in Machakos Town and surrounding areas.
Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi backed her sentiments, accusing some leaders of prioritising personal gain over public interest. He said the delays were undermining a project that could transform livelihoods across the county.
The proposed Miwongoni Mega Dam is one of Machakos County’s flagship projects, envisioned to address perennial water shortages and support domestic, agricultural and industrial use once completed.
By Stephen Muthini
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