This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
Western Kenya has been plagued by floods for years, causing displacement and loss of life. Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa has urged leaders from the region to unite and find a lasting solution to the problem.
Speaking during a visit to flood victims in Bunyala on May 10, 2020, Wamalwa emphasized that the issue of floods has been a challenge in the area for several years and there is need for a permanent solution.
Wamalwa proposed the construction of three dams to hold water from Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, and Kakamega Counties. He said that if dams were constructed at Tongaren and Lugari, they would be able to hold the waters and solve the floods problem in Budalangi once and for all.
According to Wamalwa, floods are no longer an exclusive problem in Budalangi only, with over 4,000 people displaced in Kakamega and another 11,000 in Bungoma.
Wamalwa stated that locals should be ready to pave way for dam construction when called upon, adding that an agreement for dyke construction was signed three years ago but some residents have refused to allow construction works to commence.
He also noted that construction of a dam in Bunyala will not only control floods but also double rice production within the local scheme.
Busia Country Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri disclosed that the Government has donated 2600 bags of rice to the flood victims, while Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya urged the government to include the issue of floods in the post Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
