The Teso South legislator, Geoffrey Omuse wants the national government to prioritise erection of dykes along the banks of River Malakisi to curb perennial floods in Akiriamas and Akiriamasit sub locations in Teso South and North respectively.
Omuse’s appeal follows last week’s flash floods that rendered the busy Busia-Malaba road impassable besides wreaking havoc to farms and homesteads along the river.
The MP who spoke to KNA on phone said construction of dykes along the river would provide a lasting solution rather than the government waiting to distribute relief every rainy season.
“Currently the most affected areas in my constituency are Ng’elechom, Akiriamas, Parater, Odiria and the neighbouring villages in Teso North Constituency.
“A permanent solution will be to construct dykes to control the river flow and prevent flooding. This is a very fertile area that can produce adequate food for the entire county if floods are controlled,” he observed.
“Let the Devolution Ministry headed by Cabinet Secretary, Eugene Wamalwa construct dykes to prevent destruction of farms and property every time we have heavy rains,” he said.
Addressing Mashujaa day celebrations at Kolanya boy’s primary school in Teso North Sub County Busia County Commissioner (CC), Jacob Narengo asked residents living along the river banks to move to high grounds for their own safety.
He directed the area Deputy County Commissioner to activate the Sub County Disaster Management Committee to guard residents against the effects of the heavy rains pounding the region since last week.
On Saturday a 55-year-old man was swept by raging floods of river Opwaka at Opwaka village in Teso South as he attempted to cross the flooded river back home.
Max Irapu’s body was retrieved on Sunday morning with the family and the residents pleading with the county and national government to put in place urgent measures to guard them against floods.
By Melechezedeck Ejakait
