By Eric Omwombo
Siaya Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo has today highlighted some of the key projects going on in Siaya out of the cooperation between National and County governments.
Orengo lauded Azimio leader Raila Odinga for the 2010 Constitution which he said has made development to trickle down to the grassroots without leaders begging for it.
The constitution has made it clear that it’s the obligation of the ruling president to distribute development to every part of the country irrespective of voting patterns.
Advert“Siaya is working closely with government on matters development,” said the Governor, adding “We recently held a public forum at Usenge where officials from Kenya Ports Authority visited and we agreed to avail 3 acres of land for the development of a port.”
Orengo said the cooperation will also see Wich Lum beach having fish landing sites similar to that of Lwanda K’Otieno.
Asembo Bay will also be developed into a port.
“We are also going to establish modern market in Usenge and upgrade road leading to Usenge beach into bitumen standards,” said Orengo.
“We are also going to launch the construction of KES 800 million Siaya modern market which is integrated with Bus park and once that is complete we shall prioritize Bondo modern market. It will be a market that matches the status of Bondo municipality.”
The county boss said Bondo and Siaya municipalities must have a different face and he has put in place proper planning that will have the region transformed into a hub of economy.
Orengo challanged local investors to put up infrastructural developments that will help investors put up businesses.
“No outsider will develop Bondo and Siaya for you. You must take up the responsibility and put up infrastructure that will be leased by other investors,” said Orengo.
In the next 18 months you will notice major facelift of Bondo municipality because it has started receiving funds from World Bank.
We are also working closely with the committees to ensure resources are sent to them to facilitate functions recently devolved to them.
It regrettable that Siaya that hosts county headquarters has been overtaken by Bondo in terms of lively business.
Orengo said his government is committed towards resolving water woes in Central Sakwa.
“Am aware of water challenges and deplorable condition of the roads in Central Sakwa here. Am doing something about it in fact on water, we are going to procure new water machines and pumps that will revive the water project.”
Orengo’s remarks come only two days after water Executive Jacquelin Oduol met water Stakeholders and reached agreement on improving water connectivity in Siaya.
Should the Stakeholders join hands with Oduol’s water department, water coverage will improve from current 58 per cent to 65 by 2027.
“We now want to concentrate on water connectivity. We have water projects including Ugunja-Sega water project that is completed but had no connectivity in the bill of quantities and it’s that area that would want support for we have a common goal of ensuring households are connected with water.”
To ensure Siaya residents get quality healthcare, Orengo said there are plans to build Siaya Referral Complex. The current referral facility does not meet referral status.
“We have maternity complex whose construction is ongoing at Siaya Referral Hospital together with a funeral parlour. We have also purchased modern freezers for Siaya Referral Hospital.
At Yala sub-county hospital, we are doing maternity complex and we have allocated KES 35 million but in the next budget we will add additional funds that will see the project consume more than KES 70 million.
Orengo added that the Rice mill installed at Siriwo, Usonga Ward will start operating this month.
“The mill will see the rice farmers mill their paddy at reduced costs.
Orengo who was accompanied by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, KNUT Secretary General Colins Oyuu, Bondo sub-county administrator Vincent Kanyangonda, County women coordinator Christine Oyuu said before 2027, Siaya will be in the next level.
He asked Siaya people to go slow on 2027 politics and judge him by development he shall have initiated adding that as ODM leader he will not disappoint Raila.
“Am committed towards seeing Siaya shines in all sectors of development,”
He further assured Raila supporters that ODM will still thrive in future even with the exit of Raila to AU.
“Even with the absence of Raila, ODM party which he created and developed will still grow strong in future and we wouldn’t let the party be weakened. I know when Raila will sit with party organs, they will discuss on strategies that will not make it fade away,” said Orengo.
Otiende ruled out ODM party betrayers gospel they have preached in Nyanza that they were now engaged in campaigns for Raila to succeed in his ambitions.
“Those who abandoned Baba for UDA are now engaging reverse gears that they were part of the team pushing Raila’s AU agenda.
Raila will win by the votes of the Head of States from Africa and not busybodies from Kenya who do not even have a vote in Africa,” said Otiende adding that Raila’s exit does not create a vacuum. He is still the leader of the party.
“We shall not leave the party to go astray. Nobody will gamble with ODM party when we are still members ,” said Otiende.
dalanews.co.ke https://g.page/r/CerTmAWCtzj4EBM/review¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ÿÛ C