State to build dykes along River Lambwe to tame flooding - CS Machogu

The state is planning to allocate funds for constructing dykes along river Lambwe to control flooding that affects residents in Suba South constituency.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogi said they want to provide a permanent solution to frequent flooding that affects many residents in the area.

At least 334 households in Suba South constituency have been displaced by floods while 640 households have their farms destroyed by floods since El Nino rains began.

The worst affected areas and villages include Yongo, Ruma Park, Daraja, Matunga, Opuch, Nyalenda, Makende and some parts of Nyaburu.

Machogu said the government is keen on addressing the cause of flooding to enable residents to live peacefully and undertake their daily economic activities.

The flooding is caused by streams from Gembe and Gwassi hills which connect to river Lambwe. The river is prone to flooding during heavy rains.

“The government is concerned about the plight many residents in Suba South undergo during rainy seasons. I assure youth we’ll allocate funds to construct dykes to control the frequent flooding,” Machogu said.

Speaking on Monday during the distribution of relief food and other assorted items to the flood-affected persons at Nyatoto secondary school in Ruma Kaksingri ward, Machogu said he is going to present the petition to the cabinet for approval.

He urged residents to remain patient as the government plans to come up with a permanent solution to the perennial problem.

Machogu was accompanied by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, his Rongo counterpart Paul Abuor, Homa Bay executive for Fisheries John Agili and Head of Disaster Management Department at the Kenya Red Cross Society Michael Aiyabei.

Director at Homa Bay Department of Disaster Management Teddy Oginga was also present.

A total of 150 bags of rice, 50 bags of beans, 100 mattresses, 50 jikos , 50 kitchen sets, three boxes of bar soaps and two bales of sanitary pads were distributed.

“Let residents and leaders work closely with the government to enable us to implement development projects smoothly,” Machogu added.

During the exercise, the CS said the government will disburse funds for capitation fees and bursaries on time ahead of schools reopening.

Machogu said the money will be used to support the education of students whose parents are having difficulties paying fees.

“I assure you that the government will make the funds available before learners go to Form One,” he said.

Caroli said he had financially supported each displaced family and appealed for more support from the national government.

The MP said his office has set aside some funds to build offices for chiefs and establish a police post at Nyatoto to improve security in the area.

“We want to make a difference in your lives. I will not be blowing my own trumpets but I want our work to speak for itself because we’re yet to election year,” Caroli said.  

Abuor emphasized giving elected leaders time to deliver on their mandate.

He said they are working closely with the national government to enable their electorate to benefit.

“We all want good health and economic empowerment for our people. It’s time high time we abandoned too much talk and focused on how we developed our people,” Abuor said.

Aiyabei empathized with the affected people, adding that they will continue supporting them until the situation turns to normal. They have not recorded any deaths since the El Nino rains began.

“We’re encouraging residents to continue taking precautionary measures by avoiding risky places to save lives. Red Cross is alert and working with both the national government and county government to help flood-affected people,” Aiyabei said.

Last week, Homa Bay government distributed relief food to the affected people.

“We’re working closely with all partners to assist the flood-affected persons in this area,” Agili said.