Busia Deputy Governor Moses Mulomi has urged the National Government and the International community to find a lasting solution to Lake Victoria backflow into Bunyala and Samia Sub Counties.
Addressing the press at the Health offices in Busia town, Mulomi said the backflow combined with floods occasioned by River Nzoia breaking its banks has affected Bunyala South, Bunyala West, Bunyala North and Bwiri wards, displacing many families from their homes.
“We know the Lake levels will take considerable time to reduce. And of concern is that even if it reduces, we cannot foretell when it will rise again considering that we have climate change challenges which must be factors that can be considered as a cause of this problem,” he said
He said the East African Community through relevant agencies should also intervene to establish the cause of the backflow.
The Deputy Governor argued that there is need to have a long term programme to resettle people of that area appropriately and allow them to use the land for various agricultural or socio economic activities.
Mulomi further stated that the County Government has made efforts since the onset of the challenge to assist families affected by floods by providing medical services and clean water among other interventions.
He said that flood victims registered major losses with many of them losing their homesteads, animals and household goods, adding that they needed support both financially and morally to survive and sustain their lives.
The DG further said the backflow has also affected infrastructural development both by the National Government and the County Government.
“Markets, schools, medical facilities, boreholes, water systems, roads and electricity lines collapsed leading to a serious catastrophic economic effect,” he said.
He also expressed fears that the expected rains in the month of August were likely to create a similar situation and a bigger challenge to locals who have tried to reclaim their lives.
Bunyala Deputy County Commissioner Grace Ouma said that around 1,000 families were still staying in camps due to the situation.
Ouma thanked development partners like Kenya Red Cross Society and the Kenya Integrated Water and Sanitation Programme for supporting the displaced persons.
She added that her office is waiting from more support in terms of relief food from the National Government to help the victims have better lives.
By Salome Alwanda
