Teso
Monday May 6 2024
KNA by Absalom Namwalo
Busia governor Dr. Paul Otuoma criticizes the national disaster committee for delayed release of Ksh35billion for flood mitigation, causing increased flooding in affected counties and pushing the government beyond their limits.
Speaking at Amoni primary school in Teso North while distributing food items to over 1600 households in Teso North which is the second most affected sub county in Busia after Bunyala, the governor noted that it was time for implementation of the agreed upon agenda rather than boardroom meeting to enjoy snacks as residents continue to suffer.
Unfortunately, Amoni area in Malaba Central Ward, Kamolo in Malaba South, Angurai North, and Akiriamase villages are the most affected by floods due to backflow at Rivers Malakisi, Malaba and Lwakhakha.
Dr. Otuoma said the completion of Angololo dam will be a lasting solution to people in Teso North as the dam will help harvest water for both domestic and agriculture purpose. Meanwhile, the county has implemented short-term measures, including planting bamboos along the Malakisi and Malaba rivers and beside dykes as needed.
His sentiment comes a day after Personal Assistant to the president Faruk Kibet urged people living in flood prone areas to vacate to higher grounds to avert impending havoc from floods. “As we appeal to the government to help us must advice our people to move to higher grounds and not to wait until it’s too late,” Faruk said while at Chelelemuk Catholic Church during a fund drive.
For Instance, a flood victim, Jessica Ichandi, urged the county and national governments to look into their plight, noting that floods have destroyed their only source of livelihood with farm items having been washed away.
Her sentiment was echod by Mzee Faustina Oriangi urging the government to help them get back on their knees as they it pains to account for what they have lost. Furthermore, Assistant County Commissioner Kamolo Philip Omuga said nobody died from the raging floods, but household property and animals were swept away.
Lastly, he said mitigation strategy was needed, warning residents against living near River banks and not to cross the river when it’s full.
Courtesy:KNA