Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports and Arts Ababu Namwamba presided over the distribution of relief food to over 1000 displaced families from Teso North and Budalangi.
Speaking at Akiriamasit primary school, where displaced families have camped in temporary homes, Mr Namwamba affirmed the government’s commitment in addressing flood issues in Busia County by creating irrigation schemes to make best use of water that cause havoc during rainy seasons.
“Relief food is not sustainable. We need to go back to farming to get food into our homes. Irrigation schemes are going to help us achieve this objective, and the government will work closely with the schemes to ensure that we get sustainable food for the people,” said CS Namwamba.
The affected families received donated bags of rice and beans as part of the measures to mitigate the damages caused by the floods.
“As the Government, we remain committed to finding a lasting solution to the recurrent challenge of floods and food shortages. We understand Kenyans are struggling with the high cost of living, “Ababu assured the residents.
The floods have been occasioned by torrential rains, further compounding the need for relief aid to affected families.
This comes a week after Busia Governor Dr Paul Nyongesa Otuoma presided over the distribution of food and nonfood items in partnership with Kenya Red Cross Society to flood victims in Bunyala at Siagonjo stadium in Bunyala Sub County.
Busia as a county needs urgent intervention from government and well-wishers to enable affected families get back to their normal life.
The residents have proposed, during public participation at Adungosi, construction of mega dams in Bunyala and Teso North to address flood issues through irrigation to boost rice and cotton farming respectively.
The CS was accompanied by Busia County Commissioner Kipchumpa Ruto and Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Teso North Riamla Ekeria among other security officials in the county.
By Absalom Namwalo
