NWHSA undertakes safety works ahead of El Niño
The National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA) has stepped up emergency safety works at Maruba Dam in Machakos County as part of measures to protect critical water infrastructure and strengthen preparedness ahead of the anticipated El Niño rains.
The intervention follows the discovery of longitudinal cracks along the dam crest, prompting the Authority to undertake urgent repairs aimed at preventing further deterioration and reducing the risk of rainwater infiltrating the affected sections.
The works are part of broader efforts to safeguard the dam and ensure that it continues supporting water security for Machakos town and surrounding communities. As an important water-storage facility, Maruba Dam plays a key role in supporting the availability and reliability of water supplies in the area.
According to the Authority, significant progress has already been made on the emergency intervention. Crews have cleaned, sealed and compacted the open cracks along the dam crest to strengthen the affected sections and reduce the possibility of further damage.
Murram has also been placed and compacted, while grading of the dam crest has been undertaken to improve the condition of the structure and support effective management of surface water during periods of rainfall.
The intervention has further included installation of access-control barriers to regulate movement around the facility and improve safety. Baseline technical and monitoring information has also been established to provide a reference point for tracking the condition of the dam as the rainy season progresses.
The Authority said the emergency works are intended to provide immediate protection while creating a stronger foundation for continued monitoring of the structure.
Additional activities remain underway, including installation of crack and deformation-monitoring instruments. Baseline readings will also be established to enable technical teams to detect changes in the dam’s condition and respond to emerging risks.
Weekly inspections are expected to continue as part of the monitoring programme, particularly during the rainy season when increased rainfall can place additional pressure on water-storage infrastructure.
Dam safety is an important component of water-resource management, particularly as changing weather patterns increase the likelihood of extreme rainfall and other climate-related hazards. Regular inspections, early identification of structural weaknesses and timely maintenance can help reduce risks and protect both infrastructure and communities downstream.
The emergency intervention at Maruba Dam therefore forms part of a proactive approach to infrastructure management, with the Authority seeking to address potential weaknesses before they develop into more serious safety concerns.
Beyond protecting the physical structure, maintaining the dam in good condition is essential for sustaining water storage and supporting reliable water services in Machakos and neighbouring areas.
NWHSA has reaffirmed its commitment to proactive dam safety through regular monitoring, maintenance and preparedness measures designed to ensure that critical water infrastructure remains resilient to emerging weather and climate-related risks.
The continued inspections and installation of monitoring equipment will provide technical teams with important information to guide future interventions and ensure Maruba Dam remains a dependable component of the region’s water-storage infrastructure.
