Residents of Malaba have raised concern over increased usage of Plastic bags in Kenya causing blockages to the drainage and sewer line systems in the town.
They spoke during a hybrid forum organised by Malaba municipality to enable residents to articulate pertinent issues they would like the municipality to address in order to boost the operation and status of the municipality.
Led by Joseph Etyang from Malaba South Ward, the resident noted that poor planning is the main cause of poor drainage as the town lacks designated dumping sites and most buildings have been constructed along the drainage systems or road reserves.
Etyang challenged the municipality to work with NEMA and establish a proper waste management system like biodegradable bags and recycling of plastic bags that are smuggled from Uganda due to their proximity to the border.
“The effects of poor drainage systems extend beyond single properties and are having a negative impact on roads, waterways, and health of the people. We must design a system that will address this,” noted Etyang.
His sentiment was echoed by Rebecca Abosa, a cereal vendor at Malaba, who urged the leadership of the municipality to ensure dustbins are placed in market centres and along the roads to discourage long-distance drivers from throwing litter carelessly.
“Our market lacks dustbins and washrooms, making it hard for traders and truck drivers with no option but destroy our environment,” lamented Rebecca.
While responding to the suggestions by the residents, acting Municipality Manager Brian Abwaku said they have captured their concerns with a view to addressing them in future plans for the newly created border Municipality.
“We want to make Malaba Municipality vibrant by ensuring that only structured community-based organisations are recognised to tap into county government activities,” he said, noting that a spatial plan for the entire Municipality will be their top priority.
The manager said apart from allocation received from the county government, they are hoping to receive further funding from the World Bank and through public-private partnerships, which he noted is geared towards making Malaba Municipality attractive to foreign investors.
Mr. Abwaku said they have ambitious programmes for the municipality, which entail the need to pursue the Kocholia land market, which he said needs proper planning and to expedite the acquisition of title deeds for Kocholia dam site project, which will cushion Teso North residents against frequent water shortages.
He noted that the issue of Amoni market was being addressed, urging traders to continue paying taxes as usual and adding that the Municipality has identified a partner who is willing to embark on recycling of plastic bags and availing a ready market for the same, thus creating employment for hundreds of youths.
“Keeping gutters clear and extending downpours away from the house are the easiest solutions to many of these problems. Ensuring a six-inch downward slope, extending from the foundation to ten feet away, may also help,” stated Abwaku.
He revealed that the Winkers-ACK drainage had encountered some challenges, ascertaining that renovation on the same will start in a few weeks’ time.
He warned contractors or building owners that all approvals will be guided by standards, noting that he will solicit partnerships with government agencies to deal with drainage in Malaba town.
“Other issues of concern include dualization of the Malaba-Bungoma road from Kocholia to the One Stop Border Post, creation of bypasses, the need to come up with a strategic plan, and to lobby for own vehicles for solid waste management instead of relying on those from Busia Municipality.
By Absalom Namwalo
