Residents of Kogembo Sub-Location in Central Karachuonyo are taking proactive measures in addressing persistent flooding that has plagued the community for the past five years by digging drainage channels.
This initiative is in preparation for the upcoming rains season, aiming to redirect excess water into Lake Victoria and away from their homes and farmland.
Flooding in this region has always been destructive to property, livestock, farms and also threatens the safety of the locals, frequently forcing them to abandon their homes and seek shelter in temporary camps and schools.
According to the Area Assistant Chief Hezekiah Owino, residents from various villages joined forces this week, armed with tools, to construct the drainage system so that when it rains, the water can find its way to the lake.
The community recognized that relying on government and partner support year after year is not a sustainable solution and instead, they are opting for self-initiated action to create a long-term remedy to flooding issues.
He cited that vulnerable groups, especially pregnant women, children and the elderly are the most affected by floods which he noted has become a perennial problem that requires coordinated effort between residents, local leaders, and government agencies.
The administrator said the community, which is primarily composed of farmers, is eager to restore normalcy and also to reclaim their extensive 100 acreage of farmland to resume their farming activities and provide for their families.
During the rainy season the flooding in the area is exacerbated by the overflow of River Awach Kibuon, which often breaks its banks leading to the inundation of homesteads and agricultural land.
The residents are now calling on the government to provide an excavator to assist in desilting of the river, saying it is impossible for them to do the desilting due to its depth making it difficult for them to manage the river effectively.
“If the government responds by providing heavy machinery and technical support, it could significantly enhance the drainage system’s effectiveness, reducing the risk of future displacement,” said Hezekiah.
He emphasized that the current dry season presents a prime opportunity for such work, as clearing excess sand and silt would facilitate better water flow into the lake.
Kogembo Disaster Chair Benard Odhiambo underscored the community’s unity and determination in tackling the flooding crisis through the drainage initiative.
He asked the local leadership to help them with necessities to enhance their work in creating the water channels.
Long-time resident Veronica Mukami, who has lived in Kogembo for over 60 years, expressed her despair over the situation saying, “The floods make us abandon our homes, which are brought down and destroyed. Now we have no way of rebuilding them because we have no means.”
Mukami pointed out that the floods have devastated their farms, which were their sole source of livelihood.
“We are left distraught with children who want to be fed and educated,” she said, noting that hunger and weakness hinder their ability to contribute effectively to the drainage efforts.
She called on the local leadership to fulfill their campaign promises and provide the necessary support to help the community overcome these challenges.
The community remains hopeful for government’s assistance to secure a sustainable solution to their plight.
By Sitna Omar
