Residents residing near the Turkwel dam to move away as the dam nears spill over due to the heavy rainfall pounding the region.
According to the Authority, the water level on Thursday morning was close to the brim, remaining 1.6 meters to spill over.
The rising water levels have displaced communities in the upstream of the dam, the majority of whom have encroached the dam boundaries.
Speaking at Riting area, KVDA Managing Director Sammy Naporos who led officials to ascertain the level of water at the Turkwel dam said the dam is stable, sound and well designed and said that there is no cause for an alarm.
“Dams are meant to spill and it is a normal occurrence. It will worry us if it doesn’t spill. We have 1.6 meters remaining for the water to spill over,” he said.
Naporos pointed out that they have put safety measures in place, “The agency’s technical team is on the ground to ensure the spillage does not wreak havoc on the communities living around the dam. The surveillance and response teams are on the ground.”
He cited that 300 households will be affected incase of the spillover. “Farms will be affected and chiefs should tell residents near the dam to move.”
Naporos cited that silt in the water is the major challenge adding that according to dam design and environmental assessment the distil expects 10 million cubic of sand and silt which pushes the water volumes.
He said that villages in the area have no bridges and they have to pass through the river.
“We are doing sensitization in vernacular radio stations. People should not cross swollen rivers,” said Naporos.
With the raising water level will, Turkana water basin regional Manager Mr. Samuel Kigen said it will cause displacements of people in upper Turkwel mainly those who have encroached the dam boundaries.