Tala: Residents of Tala town in Machakos County have strongly opposed alleged plans by the county government to drain Tala Silanga Dam to pave the way for the construction of a commuter bus park, arguing that the move threatens their livelihoods, heritage, and water security.
According to Kenya News Agency, the residents say the dam, which sits on a three-acre piece of land, has served the community for more than 75 years and remains a critical source of water for farming, livestock, and construction activities. They contend that replacing it with a bus park would amount to erasing an important part of the area’s history and undermining community resilience in a drought-prone region.
Speaking to the media in Tala town, 70-year-old resident Dr. Charles Kyalo recalled that Silanga Dam was constructed between 1945 and 1950 under the leadership of Chief Uku wa Mukima. He said the dam was built through communal effort, with men and women mobilized to clear the riverbed and lay a foundation that has sustained generations. Dr. Kyalo emphasized that the dam is a vital part of their history and livelihood, built through the collective effort of their ancestors.
Local farmer Sila Mutiso echoed these sentiments, expressing reliance on the dam water for farming, feeding livestock, and construction, despite the water being muddy. He voiced concerns that the county government might use public participation forums to justify draining the dam, which he believes would be detrimental to the community.
James Mwovi Mwangangi, a resident of Matungulu, highlighted the importance of the dam in an arid and semi-arid region facing persistent drought. He warned that draining the dam would be a grave mistake, emphasizing the need to protect water sources like Silanga Dam.
Pastor John Mbalu of Tala urged the county government to prioritize essential services such as healthcare and road infrastructure instead of constructing a bus park. He also called on the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to intervene and compel the county to clean, desilt, and maintain the dam to enhance its water-holding capacity.
When contacted, Tala Member of County Assembly (MCA) Hon. Jackson Ndaka stated that such decisions could not be made by a few individuals and emphasized that public participation would guide any final action. Despite this assurance, residents remain anxious that the Silanga Dam could still be drained, fuelling a heated debate on whether development should come at the expense of heritage, water resources, and community livelihoods.
