The government has unveiled plans to construct a massive dam within Tsavo East National Park, a proposal likely to reignite debate over development projects in Kenya's protected wildlife areas.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

A notice published by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and reviewed by Kenyans.co.ke reveals that the National Irrigation Authority is seeking approval for the proposed Athi Dam and related irrigation infrastructure within the park in Taita Taveta County.

According to the proposal, the project will comprise a mixed concrete and rock-fill dam with a storage capacity of 306.4 million cubic metres of water.

The development is expected to create a reservoir covering approximately 38 square kilometres, stretching about 13 kilometres long and six kilometres wide within the park.

📌 What You Need to Know

“The National Environment Management Authority invites members of the public to submit oral or written comments within thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this notice to the Director-General, NEMA, to assist the Authority in the decision-making process regarding this project,” the report reads in part.

The proposed dam is designed to regulate river flows, manage sediment loads and support irrigation supply through an extensive water conveyance system. It will have a maximum height of 34 metres and is expected to serve as a key water storage facility for irrigation purposes.

However, details contained in the EIA report reveal that the project could have significant environmental implications. Among the anticipated impacts identified are habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, biodiversity decline, wildlife displacement, human-wildlife conflict and alterations to natural water flow patterns.

To mitigate these effects, the report proposes measures such as the construction of wildlife overpasses, continuous ecological monitoring, habitat restoration programmes and enhanced surveillance of wildlife populations.

It also recommends the creation of artificial water pools for species such as hippos and crocodiles.

The latest proposal comes just weeks after another government-backed conservation project sparked public outrage and legal challenges over plans affecting protected land within Nairobi National Park.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke