Three governors from the lower eastern region are appealing for help in rescuing and resettling residents affected by the ongoing floods being experienced in the area.
Governors Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos), Mutula Kilonzo Junior (Makueni) and Dr. Julius Malombe (Kitui) said the current heavy rains pounding the region have led to loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement of hundreds of residents and called for help from the national government, non-state actors and other well-wishers.
“Residents are counting losses after the raging floods destroyed homes, infrastructure, crops and property of unknown value,” said the trio Thursday during a joint statement issued under the South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc (SEKEB) at the Machakos county headquarters.
The governors noted that Machakos County was the hardest hit by the flooding menace, which had so far rendered more than 2,000 residents homeless, especially in Kinanie, Syokimau and Athi river areas.
“The damage is colossal after dams and rivers burst their banks leading to massive flooding that has caused disruption of transport services,” they noted.
The governors disclosed that the three counties are currently evacuating residents marooned by the floods and asked residents living in low-lying areas to move to higher ground to prevent further loss of life.
“Residents are also advised not to drive in heavy rains and to avoid sheltering under trees to avoid lighting strikes,” they added.
On the ongoing doctor’s strikes, the county bosses called on the National Government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) to resume negotiations and agree on an immediate return to work formula.
“The strike has caused untold suffering and even deaths to many innocent Kenyans; hence the parties involved must expedite the return to work formula,” noted the governors.
The trio also called for an upward review of the amount of funds allocated to the county governments for any meaningful development to be achieved at the grassroots.
By Roselyne Kavoo
