Residents of Tala town in Machakos County have voiced strong opposition to alleged plans by the county government to drain the historic Tala Silanga Dam to create space for a commuter bus park, warning that the move would threaten their livelihoods, heritage and water security.
The residents say the dam, located on a three-acre parcel of land, has served the community for more than 75 years and remains a vital source of water for farming, livestock and construction. They argue that replacing the dam with a bus park would erase an important historical landmark and weaken community resilience in an area that frequently experiences drought.
Speaking to the media in Tala town, 70-year-old resident Dr. Charles Kyalo said Silanga Dam was constructed between 1945 and 1950 under the leadership of Chief Uku wa Mukima. He explained that the dam was built through collective community effort, with men and women mobilised to clear the riverbed and lay a foundation that has sustained generations.
“This dam is both our history and our lifeline. It was built through the hard work of our parents and grandparents and has supported us for decades,” Kyalo said. He insisted that draining the dam would amount to erasing the community’s past, adding that no level of public participation would persuade residents to accept its destruction.
Kyalo noted that the dam has been especially critical during dry seasons and said it should be preserved and improved rather than replaced.
Local farmer Sila Mutiso shared similar concerns, saying he depends on the dam’s water for farming, livestock and construction, despite the water being muddy. He expressed fears that public participation forums could be used to justify draining the dam.
“We oppose any public participation meant to pave the way for a bus park,” Mutiso said. “This water sustains our farms and animals, and without it, many families will suffer.”
James Mwovi Mwangangi, a resident of Matungulu, warned that draining the dam would be a serious mistake, particularly as Ukambani is largely arid and semi-arid and continues to experience prolonged drought.
“This is a dry region, and water sources like this dam must be protected rather than destroyed,” Mwangangi said, adding that preserving Silanga Dam is crucial for both Matungulu and the wider Tala community.
Pastor John Mbalu of Tala called on the county government to prioritise essential services such as healthcare and road infrastructure instead of constructing a bus park. He also urged the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to intervene by compelling the county to clean, desilt and maintain the dam to increase its water-holding capacity.
“The answer is not draining the dam but rehabilitating it,” Mbalu said.
When contacted, Tala Member of County Assembly (MCA) Jackson Ndaka said such decisions could not be made by a few individuals and noted that public participation would guide any final decision.
Despite the assurances, residents remain concerned that Silanga Dam could still be drained, fuelling a heated debate over whether development should come at the cost of heritage, water resources and community livelihoods.
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