Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia agree on mega projects on River Dawa

By JOB WERU

Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to construct a multipurpose dam and a hydro power station on River Dawa in Mandera County, which is aimed at harnessing and promoting sustainable use of the resource. The three countries also proposed construction of a bridge to link Kenya and Ethiopia on the river, which will promote cross-border movement across the seasonal river.

The countries representatives who met at Sarova Panafric hotel in Nairobi during a three day meeting organized by IGAD also called for cooperation in the management and sustainable use of River Dawa. Kenya was represented in the forum by Mandera County Governor Ali Roba, who said the projects will help utilise the river to the benefit of citizens.

“Harnessing the water from the river can solve the persistent drought that the region has been experiencing. We are optimistic that the process will be successful since each of the States is very positive about the proposal,” Roba said.

The meeting was called to discuss the cooperation in the management and sustainable use of River Dawa.

Mandera County installs system to boost revenue During the meeting, which ended on Thursday, the three countries formed a technical team which will conduct a feasibility study of the proposed projects and share its finding. The process will be steered by IGAD. River Dawa is a seasonal river which flows cumulatively for nine months, and traverses through the three countries.

Source: Standard Kenya

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