This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
On June 3, 2020, Vihiga County Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo launched the second phase of Mbale town's beautification, which is set to receive Sh200 million from the World Bank through the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP).
The project, which is expected to be completed within a year, will see the construction of footpaths, installation of high mast floodlights and street lighting, and the rehabilitation of drainage systems along the Lunyerere to Majengo route in Kisumu-Kakamega.
According to Ottichilo, the department of Planning, Lands and Housing had prepared a comprehensive design that, if executed properly, would upgrade Mbale town to city status.
However, the governor emphasized that the second phase will focus on improving the town's drainage system, with the contractor constructing a secure slab-covered system that allows pedestrians to walk over.
Residents were assured that the contract had been awarded to a qualified and experienced contractor who had previously worked on the face-lifting of Kisumu town.
Deputy Governor Dr. Patrick Saisi urged the contractor to engage local youth in the project and appealed to the community to support the initiative by giving way to the contractors when necessary.
The event was attended by County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Planning, Lands and Housing Mr. Paul Mbuni, Mbale Municipal Board Chairperson Engineer Josphat Amadi, and Member of County Assembly (MCA) Lugaga/Wamuluma Ward Mr. Victor Ijaika, among others.
