The Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA) has addressed concerns over potential flooding following the spillage of the Masinga Dam and other seven-forks dams amid the ongoing heavy rains.
TARDA in a statement on April 17, 2024, confirmed that the dam, which is the most consequential, has reached its full capacity and that it is currently spilling.
The statement came after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki warned of potential flooding while announcing that the Seven-Forks Hydro-electric Power Dams were filled up as of Wednesday morning.
The Authority however maintained that the government has taken the necessary flood control measures intending to avert spillage risks.
It highlighted that the government is keen to ensure public security during the expected flooding, listing some of the crucial measures that have been put in place.
“TARDA assures the public that the necessary flood control measures are in place as the dam & spillways are designed to handle natural overflow ensuring the safety of downstream areas,” read part of the statement.
In its statement, TARDA said it has been working hand in hand with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Water Resources Authority (WRA) to actively monitor water levels and advise on downstream impacts.
The authority further noted that buffer zones surrounding the dams have been safeguarded to prevent any potential risks.
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“As of 16th April 2024, Masinga Dam was 1056.56 at Meters Above Sea Level (mASL) Kiambere Dam is currently at 699.79 (mASL),” the statement added.
TARDA addresses safety concerns
Furthermore, TARDA highlighted recent inspections by NEMA and WRA which confirmed the structural integrity and safety standards of the two dams.
It further noted that both dams are equipped with emergency spillways, providing an extra layer of protection during periods of high-water levels.
“They are strategically designed to manage excess water and prevent dam breaches or overflows, further enhancing the safety of communities,” said TARDA.
Masinga Dam is an embankment dam on the Tana River located at the border of Embu and Machakos counties that stands at 60 m tall & stretches 2,200 meters in length.
The dam which is managed by TARDA is used for power production and is part of the Seven Forks Scheme.
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In addition, the dam plays a vital role in controlling the release of water downstream through its spillway, also known as the overflow channel.
The statement by TARDA comes at a time when the heavy rains in most areas around the country have continued to wreak havoc due to the resulting floods.
Kindiki issues flood warning
CS Kindiki on his part warned that River Tana is likely to burst its banks and cause flooding in Garissa, Tana River and Lamu counties.
“In the likely event of further precipitation within the Tana River and River Thiba catchment areas in the coming days, River Tana is likely to burst its banks downstream leading to significant flooding in Garissa, the Tana Delta and Lamu Counties,” warned the CS.
The warning comes after the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) issued an alert to residents of most areas across the country amid the rains.
The department in a statement on April 13 noted that heavy rains are expected up to about April 18, 2024.
These include areas within the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi area, Southeastern Lowlands, coast and northern sector.
The government has maintained that it is closely monitoring the situation and implementing response plans as needed.
