Baringo governor Benjamin Cheboi has given those encroaching roads reserves a one week ultimatum to pulled down their structures before the county effected the planned demolition of such illegal settlements.
Cheboi while giving the orders at Kabarnet Central Business District when he launched the Christmas tree asked the concerned parties to vacate the earmarked premises early before it gets demolished with their properties inside come January.
The county boss said that they arrived at the decision to safeguard the dignity of urban towns like Kabarnet which is the county headquarters, Eldama Ravine, Kabartonjo, Marigat, Mogotio and Chemolingot access roads were chocked with mushrooming illegal structures.
“We shall not tolerate those people whose plots are sitting in road reserves, they must move from the public utility before we act,” he said.
Governor Cheboi, flanked by his deputy Eng Felix Maiyo and County assembly speaker Vincent Kemboi said his administration was aiming to make the people in urban settlements across the region lived in a planned and habitable ample environment.
He pointed out that apart from development control, his administration will team up with that of County Commissioner in closing all social joints selling second generation alcohol blamed for ruining the lives of many youth due to high consumption and addiction to the cheap liquors that rendered them less productive in the society.Cheboi who earlier presided over a Christmas donation of assorted foodstuffs from the chairman of Hurth City Rudiger Winkler encouraged residents to give and share gifts with the less fortunate during this festive season.
More than 600 vulnerable people including People Living with Disabilities benefited from the donation targeting the five wards of Baringo Central.
County assembly speaker supported the move saying it is to the posterity of future generations who will recognize the good things leaders made during their time of service.
Kemboi stated that the county assembly was ready to deliberate on Bills which will reinforce urban planning in order to protect all public utilities against grabbing by powerful individuals.
“If these facilities were to be used for the purpose it was meant for, how many people would benefit? Many, so we have to consider the benefits against the loss,” he said
Maiyo in his remarks stated that the county administration is in course to revamp major towns through laying of cabro, repairing of street lights and completion of key amenities like stadiums and social halls to promote youth talents.
He said that they will continue working for the people of Baringo to ensure that they enjoy quality life while their infrastructure and public spaces are well regulated for posterity.
By Benson Kelio and Christopher Kiprop
