Residents of Homa Bay County living in informal settlements are set to benefit from significant infrastructure improvements initiated by the County Government of Homa Bay, in collaboration with the State Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The initiative is part of the second phase of the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP2) funded to a tune of Sh1.4 billion by the World Bank, AFD France, and the European Union.
The targeted settlements include Shauri Yako, Sofia, and Makongeni in Homa Bay Sub County and Rusinga Old Town in Suba North Sub County.
Others are Nyandiwa in Suba South Sub County and A Thousand Street in Rachuonyo South Sub County.
Presiding over the groundbreaking ceremony at Rusinga Old Town Informal Settlement, Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga, thanked the partners for the support extended to Homa Bay county through the Project.
The Governor outlined the project’s ambitious plans to enhance infrastructure and urged the locals to support it.
“These upgrades encompass the upgrading of roads to bitumen standards, construction of storm water drainage systems, installation of street lights and high masts,” she said.
She added that the project will also encompass building of vending platforms, construction of ablution blocks and latrines, and the connection of piped water, among other improvements.
During the ceremony, Governor Wanga also commissioned the first of five completed solar high masts in the county.”
She also emphasised the transformative potential of these upgrades saying that, the improvements will significantly enhance the lives of residents by improving access to amenities and boosting security.
Wanga said enhancing hygiene and sanitation, extending business hours, and providing dignified spaces for conducting business will transform the local economy.
“These initiatives are projected to increase the value of land, I therefore urge investors to consider establishing their ventures in these emerging urban development frontiers.” said Wanga.
The Governor implored the contractor to deliver quality workmanship.
“I would like to challenge the contractor that with this kind of funding, we expect first class work for the people of Homa Bay.”
On his part, the Deputy County Commissioner for Suba North, Peter Mutiso urged residents to protect the solar high masts and other infrastructure against vandalism.
“If these lights are vandalised, it is us the locals who will be left to operate in the dark,” said Mustiso.
The lead contractor for the project, Engineer Said Rojo assured residents that their company will give first priority to locals to provide labour for the construction works.
A local trader Mrs Saphine Akinyi lauded the project for its positive impact.
“I usually close my business at dusk, but the high mast lights have enabled me to carry on my business till late into the night without fear of encountering any danger, hence making more sales,” she said.
She also expressed optimism about the planned road improvements, noting that better roads will improve trade.
The infrastructure projects represent a significant step forward in improving the quality of life for the residents of Homa Bay County’s informal settlements.
By Davis Langat
