Virhembe Sublocation residents have asked the Kakamega County government to divert funds meant to construct a modern slaughterhouse to build a dispensary.
Speaking during a public participation forum at Shipalo Market in Shinyalu Sub County, the residents said they would benefit more from a dispensary than a slaughterhouse whose sole purpose is to supply meat.
They also wondered why the county government decided to build a slaughterhouse in the village, asking where the county would obtain cattle to be slaughtered and who would consume the meat.
Market chair Henry Mukisiwa said it is good to interrogate in order to avoid having a project that would be of little benefit to the community.
He said it is surprising that, about 10 kilometres from Shipalo, the county is also repairing a slaughterhouse at Shiyalu market and another at Khayega market.
“The slaughterhouse at Shipalo would rely on Khayega to supply cattle for slaughter but with the establishment of another slaughter house at Khayega, it poses a challenge to the viability of this project,” he noted.
A youth representative, Eric Shinali, said a dispensary was important since, apart from providing medical attention and first aid, the facility would offer employment to locals.
Isukha Central Ward Administrator Emily Asiko wondered why residents have changed their minds yet approved the establishment of the slaughterhouse through two public participation forums that were held in 2021.
“We did public participation twice, and you unanimously approved the project,” the Ward Administrator said.
She said she will follow up with the Project Management Committee to fast-track the Project so that it is completed once residents agree for it to continue.
According to the Ward Administration, the county government allocated Sh26 million for construction of the modern slaughterhouse in 2021.
The Project is currently at a 25 percent completion rate, with the contractor asking for review of the Bill of Quantities due to the increasing cost of construction materials.
The contractor has already been paid Sh4 million for the work done on site.
Member of the County Assembly for Isukha Central Ward Danstone Mukofu urged locals to allow the project to continue, promising that he will follow up with relevant departments to ensure another land is available for the construction of a dispensary.
He noted that with the planned elevation of Shinyalu market to a Municipality, the slaughterhouse at Shipalo will be of value to them.
The legislator noted that he will organize a proper sensitization forum for Butchers around the area and farmers who rear cattle for meat to make the project a success.
By Moses Wekesa
