Residents of Lugari Sub County in Kakamega County have been cautioned against politicizing government and donor funded projects meant to spur economic growth and development of the region.
Kakamega County Executive for Health, Mrs. Peninah Mukabane made the remark when she addressed a public participation forum at Lumakanda Teachers Hall on Wednesday.
The forum, attended by Lumakanda ward residents and local leaders, sought to unlock the stalemate over the proposed site for expansion of Lumakanda County Hospital to the Level 4 status.
The county government in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) are funding the project.
Mukabane expressed county government’s disappointment over delay in commencement of the multimillion project for about one year due to wrangles among the locals.
She blamed a section of local politicians and opinion leaders for misleading the public by spreading propaganda aimed at discrediting the proposed site at Railway B village in Munyuki sub location.
“Lumakanda County Hospital, which sits on less than an acre piece of land, does not have
room for expansion, thus the decision by the county government and the hospital’s management board to look for additional five acres,” Mukabane told the gathering.
According to the CEC, the country treasury has allocated a totally of Kshs.20milion, part of which has been used to purchase the controversial piece of land.
“It’s shocking to hear respectable leaders of high standing spew lies in public alleging the purchased five-acre land was in Uasin Gishu,” observed Mukabane.
The CEC warned the stalemate risked denying the project Shs.40 million from UNICEF for the construction of fully equipped modern theater and maternity wing.
However, after lengthy deliberations on the matter, the Wednesday forum unanimously endorsed the proposed site, with majority of local speakers urging the county government to now fast track construction of the said medical facility.
The county health boss hailed the locals’ decision, saying the public endorsement had paved for the commencement of construction work at the site.
“I will deliver your decision to my the governor” she promised, revealing the county government and UNICEF will begin construction work on the site this month.
Lumakanda Member of County Assembly (MCA), Samson Mmbasu lauded the locals.
“It would have been a big blow to residents of Lugari sub county had the project been relocated to another sub county,” noted Mmbasu who had accompanied the CEC.
Prior to Wednesday’s agreement, the project site had divided the locals into two factions.
