This archive report was first published on 7 May 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt major construction projects in Kenya, the multi-billion Thwake dam is making steady progress, with construction works at 32% completion.
According to Apopo Lentana, the main contractor from China Ghezouba Company, engineers have been working tirelessly to erect a mega tunnel to divert River Athi waters to dry land for excavation works at the main river base.
"We are currently at 32 percent and we will compensate on time lost during this period of the pandemic. Sometimes we work for 24 hours when need be and by the end of this year, we will have completed the tunnels," Lentana said.
The slow work rate has been attributed to the decongestion of the site, where the number of employees was reduced from 1200 to about 700 workers.
Tunnel A is currently at a height of 280 meters and is expected to rise to about 700 meters high once complete.
Once the two tunnels are built, they will be used as substitute waterways, where the river will change course and join at downstream the original path to the ocean.
"Once the river is diverted, there will be building of rock field dam wall that will be 87 meters high then making of main and minor spillways for excess water flow," Lentana said.
As part of ensuring safety, the company carries out routine screening of workers, issues them with masks, and reaches out to the community to ensure everyone around the project is safe against COVID-19.
