Residents in Nyabworoba village Sensi ward in Kisii County who had been evacuated to a nearby primary school following fear of massive landslide three weeks ago have expressed fear that their children might not find a place to learn when schools open next week.
At least 57 households consisting 150 people were moved to Nyamworoba SDA Primary and secondary schools in the exercise witnessed by Kisii County Commissioner, Stephen Kihara, Geologist John Manyara, and area MCA, Paul Angwenyi after their land started sinking and houses developed cracks on the walls.
Addressing the residents on Thursday, Manyara noted that the soils were still soggy and had sunk three feet deeper, describing the problem as severe as the land was still dangerous for habitation.
He said the government had moved to map out the extent of destruction in a bid to find a lasting solution in the area that has experienced perennial landslides.
In 1946, the land sunk creating a swamp locally referred to as Lake Okari which flows underground in Nyabworoba area, hence the recurrence of the problem.
The Marani Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), David Saruni said the government would provide tents to the residents so that they can create room in classes for normal learning once schools open.
Saruni assured that the two levels of government would ensure continued supply of basic items to help the affected people cope with the challenges and to prevent them from going back to the village.
The Kisii County governor’s wife, Elizabeth Ongwae underscored the need for the affected families to be consoled and given ample advice saying such living conditions could escalate teenage pregnancies and diseases.
On his part, the MCA lauded the two levels government for continued support to wananchi but appealed for fast tracking of lasting interventions to ensure normalcy returns in the area.
By Jane Naitore/Clinton Nyamumbo
