Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has strongly refuted claims that her administration intends to replace Tala Dam with a bus park, insisting that such reports are baseless propaganda and emphasising that the county is committed to preserving the critical water source.
Appearing before the Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, Wavinya dismissed the rumours, noting that there are no plans to drain the 90-year-old dam.
“There is no plan whatsoever to replace Tala Dam with a bus park; those claims are mere propaganda. Our priority is to protect and restore Tala Dam by ensuring the water remains clean and safe,” she said.
The Governor highlighted the environmental challenges facing the dam, particularly illegal sewer connections that discharge waste into drainage systems feeding the reservoir.
She warned that such practices pose a severe threat to water quality and public health. “We have noted cases where sewer lines have been illegally connected to drainage systems that flow into the dam, and this must stop,” Wavinya told the committee, calling for stricter enforcement of regulations.
In addition to addressing pollution, the Governor said the county government is working to improve how water services are managed and delivered to residents.
“That is why we are in the process of restructuring our water companies to enhance efficiency, accountability, and service delivery,” she said, noting that these reforms will ensure residents receive better and safer water services.
Her statements come after reports circulated suggesting the county planned to drain Tala Dam to create a modern bus terminus in Tala town.
The news caused concern among residents who rely on the reservoir as a key source of water and for replenishing wells and boreholes in the semi-arid region. Environmentalists had warned that removing the dam would disrupt the local ecosystem and threaten water access for thousands of people.
Wavinya emphasised that the administration’s top priority remains protecting and cleaning the dam. She said the county has invested in initiatives to monitor water quality and stop pollution from reaching the reservoir.
She added that misinformation about replacing the dam has caused unnecessary fear among residents and reassured them that the dam continues to be an essential resource for the community.
The Governor also highlighted the importance of community participation in safeguarding water sources, encouraging residents to report illegal connections and practices that could compromise the dam. She noted that the government is determined to maintain Tala Dam as a sustainable water source for generations to come.
Tala Dam, which has served the region for nearly a century, plays a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of residents in Machakos County.
Beyond providing water for domestic use, it helps recharge local wells and boreholes, contributing to the overall resilience of communities living in the semi-arid environment. Wavinya concluded that protecting the dam aligns with the county’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability and public health.
