Murkomen defends dam projects, terms ongoing probe as political : The Standard

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, in whose county the controversial multi-billion dams are located, has alleged a scheme to end the projects. Murkomen argued in the Senate yesterday that the uproar over the construction of Arror and Kimwarer dams was a ploy to deny the county the twin projects and gift them to another county. “I suspect this might be a case of giving a dog a bad name and then killing it. Is someone building a case for the termination of these projects?" posed Mr Murkomen. The senator read out a list of projects which the Government had made advance payments to their contractors, yet they did not draw as much heat as Arror and Kimwarer dams.

SEE ALSO :Trump, Pelosi butt heads again but others see possible paths

Compensation claims Murkomen criticised reports that Sh21 billion had been paid for work that had not been done. He stated that compensation for locals, who were to be displaced, was the only reason the projects had not started.  He dismissed the ongoing investigations by Director of Criminal Investigations George Kinoti, on the dealings by the Kerio Valley Development Authority, as a ploy to deny his people the projects. He sought to know why a criminal investigation was being undertaken on a commercial contract, which has its terms spelt out in law, even before the agreed timelines have lapsed. “How is this scandal warranting the negative attack and publicity? Why is it that every step of the investigation is shared with the media? Is it a plan to ensure that the financier pulls out of this important project?” Murkomen questioned.

SEE ALSO :No space at hospital as referrals increase

Insurance guarantee He proceeded to list other projects in Kenya which have had advance payments made to the contractor before actual work began. They are: Karimenu II Dam Water Supply Project, Itare Dam Water Supply Project, Twake Multipurpose Dam Water Project, Northern Collector Tunnel Project, Kigoro Water Treatment Works, Kenya Towns Sustainable Water and Sanitation Program and Bosto Dam Water Supply project. While dismissing claims of loss of funds, Murkomen asserted that all Engineering, Procurement and Construction plus Financing (EPC + F) projects are protected by bank or insurance guarantees.

Related Topics

Elgeyo MarakwetSenator Kipchumba MurkomenArror and Kimwarer damsGovernmentScandal