BUSIA Senator Amos Wako and Teso North MP Arthur Odera differed publicly over the county government's spending of Sh208 million.
While Odera said the county has not spent any money on development on development, Wako said the amount was not meant for projects.
Odera said the county used the money to buy vehicles, houses and on luxuries. “This is not politics but a fact. We must rise and say no to ‘rogue’ governors who spent public funds the way they want,” he said.
They were speaking at the inauguration of St Lukes Special School Kakemer in Teso North district on Wednesday, Wako said Governor Sospeter Ojaamong’s administration has not received any money for development as alledged by Odera.
“Funds for development started trickling in this week with Busia county government receiving Sh150 million contrary to claims it received Sh208 million," he said.
Wako said the Sh208 million is for recurrent expenditure which was used in payment of salaries and in purchasing office furniture.
He said Senators have an oversight role of ensuring both recurrent and development funds are accounted for. However Wako concurred with Odera on the need for counties to form County Development Boards for planning purposes.
to concurred with Odera on the need for every county government to form a County Development Board that will come up with development plans.
“The document is vital since it will be used to solicit for funding from Non Governmental Organizations and development partners in foreign countries,” he said.
“I am also in agreement with the Teso North MP that funds for development should be raised to 70 per cent with recurrent expenditure reduced to 30 per cent.
St. Lukes Special School was built courtesy of Swiss-based NGO Don Du Choeur to the tune of Sh5m in collaboration with Swiss Government and Community Outreach Centres.
Michelle Ferminich represented the Swiss Ambassador to Kenya with Jean Claude for Don Du Choeur while Collette Young and Mark Leoorox represented Community Outreach.
Leoorox said they stepped in to sponsor the project considering that special needs are always neglected, adding that the project was not the end but the beginning.