Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has defended creation of municipalities, saying they are meant to spur development.
He spoke in his office during the swearing-in ceremony of Balambala municipality board members, which was presided over by Garissa chief magistrate Stephen Mbungi.
Those who took the oath of office were Aden Abdi, Faiza Irshad, Halima Osman, Omar Hussein, Noor Siyad, Hassan Abdullahi and Abdi Osman.
County secretary Mohamud Mursal and Daadab MCA and majority leader Mohamed Farah were present.
He said if successfully implemented, the municipality will come with resources, functions and manpower.
“Mine is a deliberate and strategic move to elevate these towns to the status of municipalities. It is a clear testament that my administration is committed to ensuring we give valuable services,” Jama said.
He urged the municipality board to work as a team for the good of residents noting that they have an opportunity to provide quality services.
“Work as a team for the good of the people of Balambala and address the challenges facing the residents, including garbage collection, roads and drainage,” the governor said.
Among functions that will be performed by the municipality include promotions, regulation and provision of garbage collection and solid waste management services.
Others are promotion and provision of water and sanitation services and infrastructure.
The status will attract investors and residents will enjoy more development in infrastructure, agriculture, drainage, education and other social amenities.
The Urban Areas and Cities Act of 2011 says a municipality must have a population of 70,000 to 249,000.
Additionally, it should have an integrated development plan and demonstrable capacity to generate sufficient revenue to sustain its operations.
It should also have sufficient space for expansion, as well as capacity to effectively deliver essential services to residents.
