Government Imposes New Ban After Fatalities at Juja Dam
The Mugutha Dam in Juja, a site known for tragic accidents and deaths, has been officially closed to the public following the latest incident in which two students tragically lost their lives.
Daniel Ndege, the Deputy County Commissioner of Juja, announced the decision, explaining that the dam, which is a popular destination for people looking to “park and chill,” will remain closed until further notice.
He stated that security teams are currently conducting thorough safety assessments of the area before any plans to reopen it.
This announcement comes just one day after the tragic drowning of two students from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), who had been swimming in the dam.
The bodies of the victims were recovered by divers from Kiambu County and later taken to the General Kago Funeral Home in Thika.
Ndege highlighted that the Mugutha Dam, despite being a scenic spot loved by outdoor enthusiasts, is a particularly dangerous location.
He explained that many visitors, particularly motorists, park their vehicles along a slope overlooking the water, where they can enjoy a beautiful view.
However, this often leads to risky behavior, and the area lacks basic safety features like proper barriers or professional divers, even though it attracts a large number of people.
“We have already spoken to the local chief to restrict the youth from accessing this site,” Ndege stated. He also urged parents to take caution and not allow their children to visit recreational water bodies without proper safety measures.
The Commissioner also pointed out that the Juja sub-county is home to over eight other recreational water bodies, all of which present serious safety risks to visitors.
The Mugutha Dam, in particular, has been a spot of concern due to its popularity as a party destination, with numerous empty bottles of alcohol and water found around the area.
This dam had previously gained national attention in 2023 when a couple tragically died after their car plunged into the water.
It was suspected that the couple had been under the influence of alcohol, which may have caused them to accidentally release the vehicle’s handbrake while parked near the edge of the dam.
The government’s decision to close the dam comes as part of an effort to reduce accidents and prevent further loss of life at this notorious location.
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