The national government has injected over shilling 400 million towards constructions of canals in Mwea, Kirinyaga County.
Speaking during commissioning of Sh.7.8 billion Thiba Dam president William Ruto said they have join hands with county government to ensure the expanded scheme gets enough water. He said the county government will give additional ksh.200 million towards the project.
The president also said the money will be used in removal of silt in canals.
He further assured the farmers that their market will be expanded in such a way that they both benefit with their customers especially the consumers.
During the event the rice Farmer John Muya , on behalf of the farmers, told the president that they are experiencing water shortages despite of the completion of the dam. He also noted that the competition from cheap imported rice has been a challenge.
The area senator said the amount of money per acre charge on farmers for use of water is too high and because of the drought being witness they should be given a grazing period of 2 years. He further urge the state to purchase rice from Mwea Stores.
Thiba was launched in 2018 by retired president Uhuru Kenyatta and was constructed in conjunction with Japanese Government through Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) . The National Irrigation Authority was entity that was task to oversee the construction of dam until completion.