A sense of unease has been growing in Tala Township as conversations in shops, markets and bus stops increasingly circle around a proposed development whose details are still filtering through the community.
What began as a routine county announcement has quickly evolved into a heated public debate, drawing in traders, residents and local leaders concerned about the future of a long-standing public asset.
At the centre of the dispute is a plan by the Machakos County government, under Governor Wavinya Ndeti, to convert a 90-year-old dam in Tala into a matatu terminus.
The proposal has sparked strong opposition from residents and business owners who argue that the dam is a critical water source and a key part of the town’s history.
According to locals, the dam has for decades supported nearby households, small-scale farmers and livestock keepers, especially during prolonged dry spells.
Traders operating around the area say its presence has also shaped economic activity in Tala, with water availability attracting settlements and businesses over the years.
They fear that repurposing the site will not only erase a historical landmark but also worsen water shortages.
Residents opposing the plan have questioned why alternative sites were not considered for the terminus, noting that Tala already struggles with congestion and inadequate infrastructure.
Some warn that increased traffic, noise and pollution around the dam area could negatively affect nearby schools, homes and markets.
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Others argue that destroying the dam contradicts broader calls for environmental conservation and climate resilience.
County officials, however, have defended the proposal as part of efforts to improve public transport order and enhance urban planning in Tala Township.
Supporters within the county administration say a modern terminus would reduce traffic chaos, improve commuter safety and boost local trade.
They insist that environmental and social impact assessments will guide the project and that residents’ concerns will be addressed.
The controversy has prompted calls for wider public participation, with community leaders urging the county government to halt the plan until meaningful consultations are conducted.
Civil society groups have also weighed in, demanding transparency and the preservation of public resources.
As tensions rise, the fate of the decades old dam remains uncertain, symbolising a broader clash between development ambitions and community priorities in Machakos County.
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