The Public Works Principal Secretary (PS), (Rtd) Maj Gen. Dr. Gordon Kihalangwa has commended the National Youth Service cohorts for the ongoing renovation works at Sio Port Kenya Ferry Service.
Speaking to KNA after visiting the site on Saturday, Dr. Kihalangwa said the team has already cleared about 70 metres of papyrus reeds within the lake shore.
“This is now allowing an easy flow of water and boats coming from Uganda to our country and vice versa are now having easy access,” he said.
He challenged the youth to volunteer and compliment the National Youth Service personnel so that they can open a wider space.
“Even as NYS later leave the place, the locals should be left with the knowledge on how to manage the papyrus reeds so that they do not choke the lake again,” he said.
The official pointed out that Sio Port is a border point and challenged the Beach Management Unit to register all visitors so that they ensure security.
“This is because people can take advantage of this point and threaten the security of this country,” he said.
Dr. Kihalangwa at the same time, urged the Busia County Commissioner (CC), Jacob Narengo to ensure that the area is lit, stating that the single available solar light is not enough.
The Sio Port BMU Secretary, Daniel Odongo said the locals are very happy with the project, adding that some of them had been hired as casuals through the project.
In September this year, the Western Regional Commissioner, Anne Ng’etich urged residents to support the project explaining that it will not only boost the blue economy but will also ease lake transport.
By Salome Alwanda
