This archive report was first published on 7 July 2019.
On Sunday, Deputy President William Ruto commissioned the Chemasusu dam water supply project in Eldama Ravine town, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to increase water supply.
According to Dr. Ruto, the government has set aside Sh4 billion for the project, which will supply water to Mogotio, Emining, and Rongai towns.
Dr. Ruto emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring the project's success, stating, "The government is keen to ensure the project under Vision 2030 ends the perennial water shortages in the region."
He also announced that the Sh2 billion phase two of the Kirandich dam in Kabarnet, which had stalled for over six years, will soon be complete, featuring a sewerage system within the town.
Additionally, Dr. Ruto revealed plans to extend water supply to the neighboring Rongai constituency in Nakuru County.
The Chemasusu dam, constructed at a cost of Sh5.5 billion, is expected to serve over 600,000 residents of Eldama Ravine and surrounding areas.
Commissioned by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017, the dam is the second-largest in the country, after the stalled Sh38 billion Itare dam in Nakuru County.
Dr. Ruto's visit also included the opening of a multi-purpose hall at Eldama Ravine Girls' High school, laying a foundation stone for classrooms at Kisanana Boys' High School, and inspecting work on the Bahati-Solai-Subukia road.
He further announced that over Sh700 million had been allocated for the last mile connectivity project in Baringo County, benefiting over 15,000 homes.
Dr. Ruto also noted that the Ainomoi-Barwessa bitumen road, commissioned in 2018, will be complete in six months, and that construction of the 100-km Mochongoi-Karandi road is ongoing, with the Mogotio-Emsos-Mugurin road expected to be commissioned in three months.
Dr. Ruto was accompanied by leaders including Water Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui, Irrigation PS Fred Segor, Senate majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen, Baringo Governor Stanley Kiptis, and other area MPs.
