The National Project Coordination Team (NCPT) has lauded the ongoing infrastructure upgrades in Bungoma County’s Mjini and Landi Matope informal settlements, marking a significant step toward improving the quality of life for residents.
During a recent site visit and audit, NCPT’s monitoring and evaluation team commended the Department of Housing for its commendable efforts in enhancing critical infrastructure, including road networks, drainage systems, water supply, sanitation facilities, and public lighting within these areas.
The infrastructure upgrades, which commenced on August 23, involve extensive earthworks and the development of essential services. In Landi Matope, a 2.25 km road is under construction, along with 2.25 km of footpaths, drainage systems, and the installation of 22 streetlights.
Simultaneously, Mjini is witnessing the construction of a 1.588 km road, 1.588 km of footpaths, 1.846 km of drainage systems, a 12.7 km water supply line, a 1.15 km sanitation system, nine streetlights, and the rehabilitation of a high mast floodlight.
Centreline Logistics Ltd. has been awarded the contract for these transformative projects, valued at KSh 378 million, with funding from the World Bank, the State Department of Housing and Urban Development, the County Government of Bungoma, and other partners.
During the site tour, key county officials, including CECM for Lands, Urban, Physical Planning, Housing, and Municipalities Douglas Sasita, Lands Chief Officer George Kombo, and Housing, Urban, and Municipalities Chief Officer Rashid Fwamba, joined the NCPT in reviewing the progress.
Sasita highlighted the positive impact these upgrades are already having on the community, noting that they have spurred business growth, reduced insecurity, and created employment opportunities for local residents.
“These projects will significantly transform the status and appearance of the targeted areas, and we greatly appreciate the strong collaboration between national and county teams, consultants, and community representatives,” Sasita remarked.
NCPT National Coordinator Blanton Gitau expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, despite minor challenges, such as delays in relocating electricity poles to facilitate road construction. “From our visit, it’s clear that the project is advancing smoothly, with active involvement from both the Settlement Executive Committee (SEC) and the community,” Gitau said.
The Mjini settlement, which has been in existence since 1965, is now set to undergo a much-needed transformation, bringing new hope and opportunities to its residents.
Also present during the visit were Safeguard Officer Ivon Owaye and Project Engineer Ben Oloo, who provided further insights into the ongoing developments.
These upgrades mark a significant milestone in the effort to uplift Bungoma’s informal settlements, ensuring a brighter, safer, and more prosperous future for the community.
