The project which is being implemented by Athi Water Works Development Agency involves construction of a 59 metre high dam, 70 million litres per day water treatment plant, laying of more than 60km of raw and treated water transmission pipelines and the construction of 23.5 million litres and 3 million litres reinforced concrete water storage tanks in Ruiru and Juja respectively.

Currently, river diversion works are at 70% completion with the diversion tunnel 100% complete and cofferdam works are at 5 % complete; construction of the spillway is at 35% and earthworks for the spillway is 90% complete. Works are ongoing on the dam foundation treatment which started on 1st July, 2020 and is now 10% complete.

During the visit the CS said, it is one of the key flagship projects for the Government of Kenya in matters water and once completed in 2022 will increase water to Nairobi and Kiambu Counties. “I am pleased with the project progress since my last visit four months ago.” Said CS Kariuki.

The project has suffered a delay of about 2 months largely attributable to the onset of COVID-19 at the beginning of this year. The CS directed the contractor to put in place mechanisms of working 24 hours while adhering to the Covid-19 protocols from MoH in order to recover the lost time.