Nod of Approval As County and National Government Officials Assess Affordable Housing in Siaya

Led by Governance Executive Agunda Ochanda, Agriculture Executive Silvester K’Okoth, Health Executive Dr Martin K’Onyango, Director Urban(County) George Obare, they inspected the progress of the projects that are billed to not only transform lives of Siaya residents but also enhance the region’s economy.

The tour was also attended by Siaya County Commissioner Norbat Komora, Director Governance George Okello and Agriculture Chief Officer Elizabeth Adongo. 

Yiapan noted that the contractors doing the two projects were rather slow.

She asked the contractors to expedite construction processes and ensure they are completed within the time-lines.

“Though we have found works going on the projects are behind schedule so the contractors should up their game,” said Yaipan.

“Contractors should complete their work within the set timeframes to avoid situations where the government is sometimes forced to spend more money than was initially allocated to complete the projects,” she added.

Yiapan was reacting to the remarks made by Jared Buoga, the Nyanza Region coordinator for Affordable Housing and Market.

“Geo-technical surveys determined the kind of foundation we were to have. The project cost is KES 2.05 billion and with that choice of foundation, we have not lost a single unit neither have we reduced number of units,” said Buoga.

Mr Buoga assured the officials from national government that funds for the project are available and the contractor has received payment of KES 205 million. “We have also raised the IPC so as to accelerate work,” added Buoga.

Mr Buoga said that time lapse of the project is about 21.79 percent and physical work progress stands at 8.5 per cent.

The Affordable Housing Project Site Agent Mr. Samuel Otieno, said the project consists of two models of construction; type A-G14 that consists of 498 units and Type B- which consists of 384 units.

Concerning the Siaya Integrated Market project the time lapse is about 40 per cent and the physical progress is 16 per cent.

Siaya is doing six Economic stimulus markets with the Siaya modern market consuming KES 356 million.

The other markets includes Akala, Obambo, Riat Kolem and Bar Ober.

Governor James Orengo at an earlier function revealed that the Siaya Integrated market project will be done in two phases and will include prefab stalls, market area segmentation, cold room facilities and primary processing facilities for value addition.

“The plan also aimed at constructing hotels, eateries, banking facilities and also lactation rooms for mothers,” said Orengo.

The project was to support infrastructure such as sewer, high-mast flood lights and raised water tanks, there will be car parks that will be charged to help raise Own Source Revenue.

Orengo assured the traders that they will have a conducive environment for their businesses once the project is completed.

According to the county boss the other markets projects would cost KES 50 million each.