The national government has allocated sh. 750 million for the construction of dams in three North Rift counties.
Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugine Wamalwa said West Pokot, Turkana and Marsabit Counties will each have a dam constructed by the government at a cost of Sh. 250 million
Wamalwa said the dams are expected to store water during rainy season for use during dry seasons. “Millions of litres of water go to waste during rainy seasons causing floods, destruction of property and displacement of people. By constructing dams the government would reduce risks and the harvested water used for domestic and irrigation,” said Wamalwa.
Wamalwa assured the families displaced by landslides and floods in the area that the government will resettle them and reconstruct their houses. “The government has set aside funds to help residents in areas where floods have caused havoc including West Pokot,” he stressed.
Speaking in Makutano town, West Pokot County while distributing food and nonfood items, the CS said the government has donated 3,500 pieces of iron sheets, 1,000 bags of rice and 560 bags of beans to be distributed to families affected by landslides in the county.
“The rain has affected many parts of the country. In West Pokot we lost 43 lives and many houses were destroyed and animals swept away by floods. In Makueni County we lost 13 lives. As government we would like to ensure Kenyans that all who lost their loved ones will get government support,” he said.
He said after the burial of the victims, the government will start constructing houses for the survivors so that they can resettle them before schools open.
Three camps have been set up in the county to accommodate the displaced victims namely; Nyarkulian, Parau and Paroo. World Food Programme chopper yesterday airlifted the food donated by the government to Parua and Paroo areas inaccessible by road.
“Three schools have been turned into camps and we would like the schools to open for first term next year after all victims are settled. we have distributed food stuff to all affected people. We are giving special food to children and the aged,” he said.
“We have distributed food to North eastern counties and Nyanza which have been flooded. Next week we will distribute food to coastal region,” said Wamalwa. He advised locals to heed to warning from meteorological department and move to safer grounds before they lose lives.
On Friday Energy Cabinet secretary Charles Keter who distributed food donated by Kengen company assured residents that his ministry will plant more trees in the areas affected by landslides to prevent soil erosion.
“We have come with Sh 3 million cash to help affected people reconstruct houses. Also we brought 100 bags of maize, 75 of beans, 750 tins of 2litre cooking oil and 570 blankets, all worth sh. 2 million. The victims should get shelter rather than turning schools into IDP camps,” Said Keter.
Fredrick Kimanga pokot south deputy county commissioner said all the victims affected in the county have received food and nonfood items.
“Victims in Parua, Nyarkulian and Paroo camps have received food. We are working with the Kenya Red Cross Society to identify and distribute building materials to the targeted families.” Said Kimanga.
By John Saina
