The construction of the Swak Dam project has always been concerned by the Kenyan local government. The construction of the project is carried out by China Gezhouba. Up to now, the construction progress of the project has exceeded half. On the construction site, there is Victoria, a female excavator operator whom everyone praises. Relying on her excellent skills, she participated in many Belt and Road projects, which greatly improved her life.

Swak Dam Project Excavator Operator Victoria: My name is Victoria Mutwini, I am from Machako Town, Kenya, and I am currently an excavator operator for the Swak Dam Project.

When the reporter came to the construction site, the progress of the project was more than halfway, and Victoria drove the excavator to and from the construction site. In 2011, after six months of excavator training in the Kenya National Youth Service Team, Victoria was full of confidence and determined to become an excellent excavator operator. In 2015, she participated in the construction of the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, the largest infrastructure project since Kenya's independence, and was responsible for driving large excavators and trucks to build the Athi River section of the railway. After the project ended, in 2019, she joined the current Swak Dam project.

Victoria, Excavator Operator, Swak Dam Project: I feel empowered, I am passionate about this job, it is my dream job. Colleagues from China and Kenya always compliment my work, say I am a strong woman and I am the best. It made me stronger mentally.

As a participant in the Belt and Road project, Victoria's life has also changed.

Swak Dam Project Excavator Operator Victoria: I can now pay for all the needs of my children and my retired father in the village, they are very proud of me.

In many villages and towns around the Swak Dam, there are still many people like Victoria who have benefited from the Belt and Road project. After the project started, more than 2,000 jobs were brought to the local area. Kenyan local employees accounted for more than 90% of the project.

Excavator operator of Swak Dam Project Victoria: People in the surrounding towns have benefited from the construction of the project. When you come to the town of Marventini, you will find that now everyone has a job, and business activities have increased, which has greatly improved the poverty problem here.

In the past, residents here have not had a stable, clean water source. Every household can only survive by collecting rainwater or fetching water from the river. However, such water sources are highly seasonal and unstable, and the sanitation situation is also worrying.

After the construction of the Swak Dam project started, the engineering team also drilled two deep-water wells in the surrounding towns to benefit the local residents.

Doakes, a resident of Marventini Township: We don't have running water in our house, that's what we use. Last year, we had to walk 4 hours to fetch water from the river, but now I bring my children to fetch water, which was impossible before, and I can't think of anything more fortunate than this.

Benson, a resident of Marventini Town: This water conservancy project has brought us clean water. Now I can have water to irrigate my farm, so that our family has enough wheat and grain.

The Swak Dam Project is currently the largest comprehensive water conservancy project in Kenya that is currently under construction and integrates dams, water supply, irrigation and power generation. After completion, it will bring huge economic benefits to the water supply, power supply and agricultural irrigation in southeastern Kenya. Even in the dry season, water for residents and agricultural irrigation can be guaranteed. After the completion of the dam, villagers will be able to install running water in their homes and use clean, uninterrupted water.

Feith, Environmental Engineer of the Swak Dam Project: After the dam is completed, it can also provide a stable power system, which means that we can finally use electricity. Now we have a shortage of electricity sources and can only rely on household solar energy.

Victoria said that the Belt and Road project has brought visible changes to everyone around her. After the project engineering team came, a new road was built, it was no longer a problem for the elderly to go to the hospital, and the living environment improved. Victoria is proud to be a part of the dam project as her work will make a difference for millions.Editor/Ma Xue