Kwale County government can now access development funds following completion of approval of the Annual Development Plan (ADP) by the assembly.
The assembly belated endorsement of the plan had affected implementation of key projects amidst accusations that only inconsequential small-scale projects were being given priority.
Large-scale projects expected to be undertaken this financial year at a cost of Sh9.5 billion, include the construction of a Cancer centre at a cost of Sh100 million at Msambweni County Referral Hospital.
“The facility will be of immense benefit to local residents who cannot afford cancer treatment services outside the county,” said Budget Committee Chairman Chirema Kombo who moved the Motion of adoption of the ADP.
The county unveiled a Sh12.5 billion budget and has lined up several other projects for implementation this financial year.
Mr. Kombo said the projects are aligned to Governor Salim Mvurya’s manifesto, which aims at creating employment opportunities to not less than 20, 000 people annually.
He further said Sh400 million had been budgeted for a teachers’ training college in Kinango Sub-county and another Sh100million for sinking boreholes to boost water supply in drought prone areas of Mwereni, Ndavaya, Makamini, Mackinon road ward and Samburu.
The Samburu-Chengoni Ward Rep said the passing of the Motion will also unlock funds for rural access road rehabilitation projects at a Sh.715million budget, thus benefit farming and businesses as goods and services will move with ease.
He clarified that the much criticized small projects will not be abandoned since they are equally important in improving people’s lives. “The government will make sure they are also considered for funding to benefit locals,” he said.
Mwereni Ward Rep. Mr. Manza Beja defended the assembly’s recent decision to pass a Motion compelling the national government to suspend two multi-billion projects to give room for adequate consultations.
“Our people should not misinterpret our motive as our intention is not to stop the projects permanently, but to allow consultations to safeguard their interests. We need a development process whereby everyone is involved,” he said.
The affected projects are Mwache Multi-purpose Dam and a port at Shimoni.
By Shaban Omar/James Muchai
Development cash flow assured after Assembly finally approves plan
