Plans to relocate Busia stadium to Agriculture Training Center have received mixed reaction from leaders and members of the public who are now calling on the county government of Busia to reconsider their move.
Speaking at ATC during a public participation forum, leaders led by Bukhayo North/Walatsi MCA Gady Jakaa and Dennis Okinda of Bukhayo central jointly challenged the governor to reconsider owing that the current Agriculture training centers are essential in the move toward attaining food security.
MCA Jakaa wants the county to instead convert the ATC to a university or college that offers Agriculture courses to equip hundreds of youths with relevant skills that support modern agricultural practices.
“The governor on several occasions has been on record advocating for food security and revitalization of our industries through provision of raw materials which requires agriculture knowledge offered at ATC,” noted Jakaa.
According to the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Culture and Sports Paul Olung’a, Sh80 million has already been set aside to begin the construction of Busia sports field that will give the current stadium a phase lift, with a modern perimeter wall and improved VIP pavilion.
Busia stadium was vandalized during an anti-government protest by Azimio demonstrators who were opposed to the high cost of living three months ago.
The move saw the governor of Busia opting to reorganize the town by relocating the stadium and polytechnic which occupies prime land at the town centre next the Busia county Referral hospital.
From the proposal by the county admiration, Busia stadium was not situated as an ideal place and in their views that land can be used for expansion of county referral facility to improve medical services in the county.
“The ATC land was reserved for a public purpose including establishing a university of agriculture or other institution centered on excellence in agriculture,” said Harrison Nyongesa, a resident of Busibwabo.
However, sportsmen in the county have applauded the move by the county administration to relocate the stadium as it will open avenues for construction of modern facilities that support different sporting disciplines.
The county leadership have quashed allegations from activists that there were plans to sell-off the current stadium land to private developer to construct a mall.
The Senator for Busia County, Okiyo Omtatah also opposes this current development in the sporting sector.
By Absalom Namwalo and Owen Mutai
