Residents living near the Karimenu II Dam in Gatundu North are facing a frightening situation as heavy downpours continues. The locals from Gituamba, Kiriko, Kanyoni, Iruri, Gathanji, and Buchana villages face potential disaster.
The rising water levels in the recently completed Karimenu II Dam have caused widespread panic, threatening homes and livelihoods. Heavy rainfall early this year caused the dam to fill rapidly, with water levels reaching their homesteads and submerging structures like pit latrines.
This comes at a time when the Athi Water Works Development Agency confirmed the dam is already full and spilling excess water. The agency reports the reservoir currently holds 22.6 billion liters, designated to serve Gatundu, Ruiru, Juja, Tatu City, Githurai, and parts of Nairobi.
Villagers report that those most affected live around the dam’s designated buffer zone.
The government has previously sought to acquire around 600 acres of surrounding land for this purpose, aiming to protect the dam’s ecosystem and prevent water pollution. However, residents now face the unintended consequences of this buffer zone.
The rising water levels have submerged farms, rendering them unusable for growing crops. Residents also decry the impact on their homes, with some developing large cracks attributed to the dam’s proximity. Many latrines have become unusable after being filled with water.
While the government assures residents that relocation and dam infrastructure are secure, the rapid rise in water levels has caused significant anxiety. Athi Water Works Development Agency emphasize the functionality of the spillway and ensure excess water is safely released.
However, residents remain understandably worried, particularly those who haven’t yet completed the relocation process funded by the government.
