Residents of Vihiga County have given their input on the proposed national budget for the financial year 2024/2025.
Residents who spoke in a public participation forum held at Vihiga Friends Resource Centre, expressed concerns that, unlike other regions, they were not benefiting from development projects, citing the poor road network in the area.
They called on the national assembly budget and appropriations committee to allocate them more funds for roads, so that their farm produce could reach the market and other parts of the country on time.
Equally, the committee was asked to consider allocating enough funds to go towards constructing a local stadium that can match FKF standards.
At the same time, residents urged the government to provide funds for the construction of the Joe Kadenge Sports Academy, aimed at enabling the youth to develop their talents.
Meanwhile, they said that markets and street lighting should be given priority so that marketers and their clients can have a good working environment, while their security is enhanced.
On his part, Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba urged the committee to allocate funds that will go towards constructing and equipping a digital hub at the County headquarters that will solve the problem of youth unemployment.
Milemba called on the government to address the issue of Junior Secondary school teachers and health workers with speed so that the learners can be taught and patients treated.
Vihiga County KUPPET Secretary General Sabala Inyeni called on the government to employ the JSS teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, since no learning was going on.
The committee was chaired by Teso South MP Mary Emase, accompanied by other members of the committee, including Benard Shinali (Ikolomani) and his Khwisero counterpart Aseka Wangaya, who commended the residents of Vihiga and their political leaders for being calm and attentive throughout the meeting.
Also present were Charles Gimose (Hamisi), Dick Maungu (Luanda), and Vihiga MP Ernest Kagesi, who thanked the committee for coming to the area, saying for over ten years Vihiga County had been left behind.
By Maureen Imbayi
