Construction works at Thwake dam ongoing amid COVID 19 pandemic

Construction works at the multi billion Thwake dam is ongoing and at 32% to completion amid the COVID-19 virus that has derailed major construction works in the Country.

Apopo Lentana of China Ghezouba Company, the dam’s main contractor, says engineers have already embarked on serious major works at the site which includes erecting a mega tunnel to divert River Athi waters to dry land for excavation works at the main river base.

“We are currently at 32 percent and we will compensate on time lost during this period of the pandemic. Sometimes we work for 24 hours when need be and by the end of this year, we will have completed the tunnels.” Lentana said.

Lentana attributed the slow work rate to decongestion of the site where they had to reduce the number of employees from 1200 to about 700 workers.

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Tunnel A is at the height of 280 meters and when complete it will rise to about 700 meters high.

Once the two tunnels are built, they will be used as substitute water ways where the river will change course and join at downstream the original path to the ocean.

“Once the river is diverted, there will be building of rock field dam wall that will be 87 meters high then making of main and minor spillways for excess water flow.” Lentana said.

As part of ensuring safety of workers and that of the community, the company carries out routine screening of workers, issuing them with masks and reaching out to the community to ensure everyone around the project is safe against COVID-19.

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