The World Bank through Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP) has released Sh.200 million towards the second phase of beautification of Mbale town in Vihiga County.
Area Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo made the revelation Wednesday when he officially launched the beautification of the town, the county’s headquarters.
According to the beautification design, the works will entail construction of footpaths, erection of high mast floodlights and street lighting from Lunyerere to Majengo along Kisumu- Kakamega and rehabilitation of drainage systems.
Ottichilo disclosed the department of Planning, Lands and Housing had prepared a viable and comprehensive design, “which if properly executed would upgrade Mbale town to city status,” he remarked.
However, according to the governor, a lot of focus will be on the improvement of the town’s drainage system during this second phase of the face-lifting of Mbale town.
“The contractor will construct a more secure slab covered drainage system that would enable pedestrians to walk over unlike the open drainage system,” explained Ottichilo.
The governor assured Vihiga residents his administration had awarded the contract tender for the beautification project to a qualified and able contractor.
“We have outsourced a contractor who has been in charge of face-lifting Kisumu town,” revealed Ottichilo who expressed dissatisfaction over the work done in the first phase of beautifying the town.
The beautification project is estimated to be complete in one year’s time.
Speaking at the same event, Deputy Governor Dr. Patrick Saisi urged the contractor to engage both skilled and unskilled youth in the project.
He also appealed to the locals, especially traders, to embrace the project by offering the necessary support to the contractor.
“For instance, when requested to give way to enable the contractors to do their work let us do so without resisting,” urged Saisi.
The event was also graced by County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Planning, Lands and Housing Mr. Paul Mbuni, Mbale Municipal Board Chairperson Engineer Josphat Amadi, Member of County Assembly (MCA) Lugaga/Wamuluma Ward Mr. Victor Ijaika, among others.
By Maurice Aluda
