Nyando victims propose building dams as lasting solution to perennial flooding

Victims of floods in Kisumu have called on the government to consider constructing dams as a long-term measure to mitigate perennial floods.

This came as they continued to incur losses caused by floods, which have rendered scores homeless.

On Monday night, River Nyando burst its banks after heavy downpour and backflow from Lake Victoria.

Luke Khaemba, a resident from Ahero, called for a permanent solution after their houses flooded.

“Water has gone with everything, we don’t know how things are going to be now. We have children who have not eaten anything from morning to evening and nobody has come to our rescue,” Khaemba said.

Another resident of Kamidumbi area said over and above giving relief food to victims, the flooding problem should be addressed once and for all.

“Take a walk in Ahero. Everywhere there is water. We know by tonight more families and areas will be affected," he said.

“We are still standing here on the road waiting for rescue. Where is the governor and other county officials including those from the national government?” Victor Onyango posed.

In Oketha, Pamela Otieno expressed frustration, saying her animals were swept away.

“I build my house every now and then whenever Nyando River burst its banks. Enough is enough. Something needs to be done,” Otieno said.

Similar scenes were witnessed in Ayweyo Canteen area, where over 300 households were affected, forcing residents to put their salvaged belongings along the Ahero-Kisii road.

Patricia Akinyi was among those counting losses on Tuesday. 

“Within my homestead, all my chickens and herds died in the water. I don’t know what’s next for me and my family,” she said.

Kevin Kasera and Joseph Obonyo said they were waiting for help by the roadside, amidst fears over their safety and disease outbreak.

“On numerous occasions we have been called to send the names of people affected including pictures but nothing happens afterwards,” Obonyo said. 

Kasera asked the government to build the Koru Soin dam.

In Gem Rae, a minor reportedly drowned and several families were displaced.

Affected families pleaded for medical and food aid and called on the government to construct dykes.

Kakola Ombaka sub chief, Awich Neto, said 340 households have been displaced and that cases of waterborne diseases have been witnessed.

“We still continue to ask our people to move to higher grounds because the situation is expected to worsen,” Neto said, adding that they are in dire need of medical aid, relief food, blankets and mosquito nets.

County Chief Communications Officer John Oywa said Kenya Red Cross, Unicef, Care Kenya and Plan International pledged to help.

"As we speak, arrangements are being made to distribute food and non-food items to the affected,” he said.

The county has appealed to the national government to help repair broken dykes in Nyando, Oywa said.

He added that plans are also underway to move victims to evacuation camps.

"We have also sent two excavators to the badly affected areas to open up river banks and water ways to help address the floods."