The county government of Kisumu has asserted that it not spend money from the French-funded KUP project to purchase a Sh30 million parcel of land for waste disposal.
Deputy Governor Mathews Owili said the 50-acre plot for construction of a landfill was not bought through the Sh4.5 billion Kisumu Urban Project funds.
This followed public queries on the status of the land which was meant for the relocation of the Kachok dumpsite situated near Moi Stadium which is an eyesore in the city.
Owili said they will use the land in question for a different purpose for the benefit of locals.
"A lot of money was spent on the Kachok dumpsite by the previous regime. In my estimation, it was more than what we are going to spend to relocate it," he said.
Locals raised concerns why the county spent Sh30million to buy land for relocating the dumpsite yet it is yet to be moved from the current location.
But Owili said the plot, in case it belongs to the county, will be used appropriately.
"I cannot take responsibility for the sloppy work which was done by someone else. If it is true the land was bought, then we will put it to good use," he added.
He said the parcel might be used to rear cows for milk which will be supplied to the county's milk cooling plant in Muhoroni.
The DG reiterated that the county is firmly on course in the bid to relocate the dumpsite, noting that the project will ensure a cleaner city.
"We are spending Sh99million, and not Sh800million as claimed, to relocate the dumpsite. We will be glad to look at any information to the contrary."
The dumpsite's relocation has been put on hold until a case challenging the move is heard and determined.
City manager Doris Ombara said a new dumpsite was designated to be built on the 50-acre parcel.
However, she said the plan was cancelled after land did not meet the required specifications; being on a flight path among other environmental concerns.
The purchase of the land at Kibigori in Muhoroni constituency was approved during former Governor Jack Ranguma's tenure.
Kisumu collects more than 473,000 tonnes of waste a day and is among the few cities in East Africa with a dumpsite in the central business district.
Read:
Also read: