The Wajir Governor, Mohamed Abdi has assured area residents that his government has fully embraced President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Big Four Agenda and has set in place measures to ensure it’s actualized in the County.
Speaking at Wajir Stadium on Sunday, the Governor said his government has aligned its policies, planning and budgeting to fit into the Big Four Agenda.
“My government has prioritized Universal health Coverage (UHC), and Food and Nutrition Security as critical pillars for the well-being of our people”, said the Governor, adding that Universal health Care, Food and Nutrition Security are key pillars in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The County Government of Wajir has already submitted Voluntary National Report (VNR) for the financial year 2018-2019 on the progress towards achie vement of SDGs”, noted the Governor.
Amb. Mohamed pointed out that the County had just come out of a biting drought exacerbated by low rainfall in the last two seasons which had exerted pressure on natural resources especially pasture quantity and quality.
The emergency had necessitated water trucking from July 8th to October 4th when 54 water boozers were mobilized to distribute water to 378 pastoral centres in the County.
Other measures put in place to counter the drought was to repair and maintain 278 boreholes and emergency response vehicles at a cost of Sh33 million.
The Governor further noted that at the onset of the short rains, parts of the County had received above average rainfall.
“The rains experienced is above average of the precipitation received in the last five years during the short rain season”, said Governor Abdullahi.
“As it has always been, the rains come in equal measure with blessings for livelihoods and destruction of critical infrastructure”, observed Governor Mohamed.
Flash floods, he confirmed, had been experienced in Wajir North, Tarbaj, Eldas, Griftu and Wajir East.
“Critical infrastructure including roads, health facilities, schools and water systems have been severely damaged, “explained the Governor.
“My government will do everything within reach to open up roads that have been cut off, restore critical infrastructure, and provide emergency medical supplies as a stop gap measure”, the Governor assured residents.
He further appealed to the National Government and other non-state partners, including Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to support the affected and vulnerable households with emergency aid including food, nutritional and medical supplies as well as water purification.
By Donald Ngala
