Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti's administration faces strong backlash from residents and traders over plans to drain the nearly 90-year-old Tala Dam and convert it into a matatu terminal. Locals warn that the move will lead to severe water shortages and urge her to prioritize cleaning the heavily polluted reservoir instead. The initiative forms part of the county's broader efforts to redevelop the rapidly growing town.
The Tala Dam, located in Matungulu Sub-County, has served as the primary water source for Tala town residents, who note the area's low rainfall. The county administration's proposal to drain the reservoir and repurpose it stems from a wider urban redevelopment plan for the fast-expanding town. Kangundo-Tala Municipal Manager Justus Kiteng’u and Tala Ward Representative Jackson Ndaka explained that the initiative includes relocating the main bus terminal from its current private land to a more secure public site. However, residents and traders have vehemently opposed the idea, emphasizing the dam's crucial role in drought mitigation. James Mwovi, a local resident, stated: “We rely on Tala Dam to cope with drought because Tala town is in an area with little rain. This dam is our main water source. Therefore, no one should think of draining it.” Others have called for cleaning the heavily polluted dam rather than draining it. This opposition highlights tensions between infrastructure development and basic resource needs in rapidly growing areas like Tala.