Turkana Central MP, Hon. Joseph Emathe has expressed concern over the slow progress of the Kawalase Flood Control Project in Turkana County.

Asking a question on the Floor of the House on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 Hon. Emathe said the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority established under Section 30 of the Water Act, 2016 is mandated to undertake the development of national public works, water works for storage of water resources and flood control, on behalf of the national Government.

He however noted with concern that despite the Kawalase Flood Control Project in Turkana receiving budgetary allocation no tangible progress has been made.

“Despite the Kawalase Flood Control Project in Turkana County receiving budgetary allocations in Financial Years 2018/2019, 2019/2020 and 2023/2024 for gabion construction and river training works, the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority has made no tangible progress,”  he said.

 Hon. Emathe further pointed out that the lack of progress in the project had left the people of Turkana vulnerable to recurring floods that have caused devastating losses in the region.

 “If this situation continues, more catastrophic losses are expected, including the risk of displacement of Napatet village and the adjacent Lodwar airstrip in Lodwar municipality,” he said.

He also requested that the Ministry provides a report outlining the utilization of funds allocated to the project from the financial year 2018/2019 to the financial year 2023/2024, measures it has put in place to ensure timely completion of these stalled projects and the steps the Ministry taking to enhance the project’s oversight, management and accountability.

In response to Hon. Emathe's concerns, the Chairperson, Departmental Committee on Blue Economy and Irrigation, Hon. Bowen Kangogo (Marakwet East) acknowledged the seriousness of the issues raised and committed to conduct a thorough investigation and provide the House with a comprehensive response.