The Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project is expected to complete within the next three months, Western Regional Commissioner Isiah Nakoru has said.
The revelation comes after a fact finding meeting by the Regional Commissioner where the contractor, Sinohydro Company, made a commitment to complete the project within the stated time.
Speaking during the stakeholders meeting at Ugunja Sub County on Thursday, Nakoru noted that the project has been delayed due to lack of proper communication and uncoordinated approach.
“We have to embrace the multi-agency approach,” he said, explaining that where individuals want to work alone shows lack of transparency,’ he said.
He mandated the National Government Administration officers from both Ugunja and Bunyala Sub counties to support the contractor to access the land.
“The National Land Commission has money for compensation and NGAO officers are ready to assist in issues of land succession,” he said, adding that there is a need to convince the locals that the project is for their own good.
The official further explained that the project will not only address issues of food security but also control floods within the Bunyala area.
“Let us avoid unnecessary delays which will eventually make the project more expensive,” he said.
The Sh3.8 billion water and irrigation project funded by the World Bank was started in 2017 and was expected to be completed by June 2021.
However, the contractor has cited difficulty in accessing the land as the main cause of the delays.
The project is currently 65 per cent complete and the contractor has committed to complete the remaining works within the next three months if accorded the necessary support.
By Salome Alwanda
