STATEMENT BY HON. EUGENE WAMALWA, EGH.
CABINET SECRETARY, WATER AND IRRIGATION ON THE NORTHER
WATER COLLECTOR TUNNEL PROJECT PHASE 1 DATED 10TH
OCTOBER 2016
My attention is drawn to a statement made this morning by Hon. Raila Odinga
regarding the environmental impact of the Northern Water Collector Tunnel
Project Phase 1 (NCT1). This project was conceived during the preparation of
the 4thNairobi Water Supply masterplan which was undertaken by an
International consultancy firm known as Egis & Mangat Consulting Engineers.
The Masterplan was officially launched by the former Prime Minister, Hon.
Raila Amolo Odinga on the 18th September 2012 at the Kenyatta International
Conference Centre. The water supply master plan addresses the short,
medium and long-term development needs for the City and Satellite towns,
and further defines a priority strategy to meet the 2017 water demand. The
key considerations in developing the Masterplan include analysis of water
balance considering the downstream users, environmental flows, projected
future use for downstream communities based on historical river flows and
water resources available. The Masterplan identified the NCT1 Project as the
first phase for implementation to generate additional 140,000m3 per day. The
next phase would be Maragua dam and subsequently the Ndarugu dam
system up to 2030. Following the feasibility studies, detailed studies have
been done, necessary environmental licensing and authorizations obtained
and works commenced on the NCT1. The NCT 1 project is jointly funded by
the Government of Kenya and the World Bank at a cost of KES 6.8 Billion.
The population of Nairobi stands at around 4 million people with a projection
of around 10 million by 2030 whilst the water demand is forecast to reach
720,000m3 per day by 2020 against the current supply of 540,000m3 per day.
(Thus a deficit of 180,000m3 per day).To meet the deficit the situation
requires that new water sources be developed to meet the demand
In addition, we wish to clarify the following:
1. Public Participation
Contrary to assertions that the NCT project is being undertaken without public
participation we confirm that since August 2011 to present several public
participation forums have been held in both Muranga and Nairobi. The project
has been debated in the Muranga County Assembly and endorsed for
implementation.Athi Water carried out and has to date continued with
stakeholder’s consultation and public engagement.
2. Project Hydrology
Adequate hydrological studies on the project have been undertaken and it is
confirmed that downstream users will have priority on water usage and there
will be unlikely effects on downstream users.
3. Ecological Effects
Contrary to assertions the project will have effect on fish, adequate ecological
studies have been undertaken and confirms that the environmental flows will
be adequate to sustain aquatic life in the project habitat.
4. Tunnel Design
The tunnel design is fully lined with concrete and as such it cannot have effect
on the ground water aquifers in the project area. In addition two tunnels exist
within the NCT proximity from the 1980s without any environmental
implications.
Conclusion
The Water Master Plan is part of a development blue print that does not only
promise to meet the water needs of the residents of Nairobi but also goes
towards the realization of Kenya’s vision 2030 objective of being a middle
income economy that guarantees its citizen a quality of life in a secure
environment. I would like to re-assure the community in Murang’a and
downstream counties and users that the detailed design for the Northern
Collector Water Tunnel Project, has considered all findings of the hydrological
and ecological studies to ensure that the project shall neither result in low
river flows nor divert water during low river flow seasons. Most importantly
we urge all partners and stakeholders to support the implementation of the
NCT1 and other subsequent projects to be implemented under the 4th Nairobi
Water Supply masterplan.