The Water Resource Authority in collaboration with the Kenya Meteorological Services have embarked on supporting Busia Disaster Management Committee in developing the County and Community flood contingency plan.
The initiative that is being funded by the Korean Government Trust Fund grants is targeting to address the negative effects of floods in the Nzoia basin in both Bunyala and Nyadorera in Siaya County.
Speaking during the four day sensitization forum, the WRA team leader Simon Mwangi said that the plan will lead to a more coordinated response to the flood situation.
“This plan will bring together all the relevant stakeholders and have a structured approach to the management of risks as a result of flooding,” he said.
Mwangi further said that the plan will also enhance the capacity of the county government for future disasters.
“There are no permanent solution to floods because it is very difficult,” he said adding “there is need to come up with strategies to alleviate its impacts.”
The official pointed out that the document will also help in pre-positioning critical emergency goods and items to facilitate timely response in case of humanitarian emergency and strengthen the coordination mechanism within the county, communities and external linkages for effective collaborative emergency response.
Mwangi disclosed that his team will use the plan to develop a proposal to other development partners to support the proposed activities.
Bunyala Sub County Administrator Nelson Otando thanked the team for the initiative adding that it will help the County leadership to address flood issues that is a major challenge in the area.
Otando urged the facilitators to consider sensitizing the Members of the County Assembly on the need to set aside budgetary allocation to the disaster department.
Busia County Commissioner Dr. Ahmed Omar urged the stakeholders to harmonize their activities to avoid duplication and confusion.
Dr Omar expressed confidence that the document will not only help in handling floods in Budalangi but several other areas like Teso North and Teso South Sub counties.
The team has held similar consultative forum in Kakamega and Siaya Counties with a view to help them develop flood Contingency Plans.
By Salome Alwanda
