This archive report was first published on 9 May 2020.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect various sectors, the Thwake Dam project remains on track, with the contractor, China Gezhouba Group Company (CGGC), assuring that work will not stall despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
According to Representative Apopo Lentana, engineers have embarked on major works, including erecting a mega tunnel to divert water from River Athi to dry land for excavation works at the main river base.
Two tunnels under construction will serve as substitute waterways, allowing the river to change course and join downstream the original path to the ocean.
"Once the river is diverted, we will build a rock field dam wall that will be 87 meters high, then make main and minor spillways for excess water flow," Mr. Lentana explained.
Despite a slow work rate, with the number of workers reduced from 1200 to about 700 as part of decongestion measures, the contractor is confident that they will compensate for the time lost during the pandemic.
"We will work 24 hours when need be. By the end of this year, we will have completed the tunnels," Mr. Lentana said.
To ensure the safety of workers and the community, the company routinely screens them, issues face masks, and carries out outreach programs.
Employees living far from the site were also moved closer to limit their interactions with the general public in line with the requirement for social distancing.
Some workers expressed gratitude that they were not laid off as a result of the economic impact of the pandemic.
"I am happy to be at work as majority of Kenyans elsewhere stopped working. I am earning as usual to feed my family," said Graham Gichuhi.
