More than 200 families have been affected by floods occasioned by heavy downpour in Namanjala location in Trans Nzoia county after
River Sabwani broke its banks.
The most affected residents have been displaced while crops have been submerged in water at Sabwani, Maliki, Marinda, Kobos and Buyanzi villages following the downpour. “We have been affected by the heavy rainfall which has rendered us homeless since our houses are filled with water. We want a permanent
solution to this menace,” said Mr. Joseph Wafula.
The residents who are counting losses called for relief from the government to cushion them from the effects of homelessness and lack
of food. “We are facing this challenge at a time when the Coronavirus pandemic has seen our economic output shrink. We call on the county
government to come to our rescue,” said Mr. Felix Wanyonyi.
The national government has further been challenged to erect dykes along the river to contain the floods which result from the overflow of water from as far as its source in Mt Elgon. “The government has to commit emergency funds towards development of
the right infrastructure to contain the effect of the floods which have been become a norm in this place,” said Mr. Andrew Wabwile.
Area MCA Bernard Mlipuko pointed faulted a Chinese construction firm for destroying a barrier on River Sabwani while laying bitumen on Lessos-Kolongolo road.
“The Chinese contactor must be held accountable for these floods which
have been rampant this year after they demolished barriers erected on
the Sabwani river bridge,” said Mr. Mlipuko.