Plans for a 3.5km long tunnel, being built as part of the Sondu Miriu dam project in Kenya are in chaos following the Japanese government’s suspension of funding, citing "environmental disruption and corruption".
Opponents of the scheme described construction of the tunnel as an environmental disaster during a meeting of the World Commission on Dams at Cape Town. Hillside streams dried up after the tunnel was blasted through the Kasaye Hills.
Japan suspended aid after six fact-finding missions to the tunnel and dam site following pressure from two Kenyan non-governmental organisations – Africa Water Network and Climate Network Africa.
