President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday commissioned two key road and water projects in Siaya County.
The President, who arrived in the region for a three-day working visit, officially opened the Shs1.6 billion Kodiaga-Wagai-Onyirore/Akala, and Nyangweso-Muhanda road circuit, and the Shs 2.4 billion Siaya-Bondo water supply and sanitation project.
The road network covers a total distance of 38kms, opening up the fish and sugarcane rich region to markets in Kisumu and beyond.
On the other hand, the Siaya Bondo water project, funded by the Government and the African Development Bank (AfDB), raised the volume of fresh water supply to the two towns by rehabilitating and expanding the Sidindi Malanga processing plant.
The project's construction began in November 2013 and ended in December 2018.
According to Lake Victoria Water Works Development, the water project implementer, the objective was to improve access, availability and sustainability of water supply and wastewater services in the fast-expanding Siaya and Bondo towns.
Addressing Kenyans who turned up at Wagayi trading centre in Gem Constituency, President Uhuru and ODM leader Raila Odinga talked of the benefit of the handshake to the country's peace and harmony.
"All these projects you are seeing us commissioning are as a result of peace and unity, and I wont stop appreciating my brother because of the handshake," Uhuru said.
"The fruits of peace is development, the fruits of peace are opportunities and eliminating poverty and lack amongst our people and that’s why we are asking you to support BBI."
In Yala, the President said the project will supply 200,000 households across Siaya County.
"This project will ensure all residents get access to tap water in their homes. When we have water then families will be healthy. Clean water is the foundation of a healthy society," he said.
Former PM Raila Odinga commended President Kenyatta for his resolve to unite Kenyans, and initiate development projects across the country.
"We thank the Government for implementing various projects in this region. Since we did the handshake, this brother of mine (President Uhuru Kenyatta) has stood firm," he said.
"He has ensured all that we agreed upon, has been done in Lamu, Mombasa, Athi River, Mandera, Busia as we witness ongoing projects. Be it in Mt. Kenya, Rift Valley and lake region, there is development taking place."
The two leaders rallied the residents to support the Building Bridges Initiative.
