Energy cabinet secretary Charles Keter has assured residents in Bungoma County they’ll benefit from the electricity connection after launching phase two of last mile electricity connectivity saying a total of Kshs 16 billion has been set aside for the exercise in the whole country.
Addressing residents at Lunakwe market in Bumula constituency CS Keter said it is the prerogative of the government to ensure many residents are connected to electricity saying Bumula constituency was the most affected as only 8% of the residents were connected.
He said the constituency will receive Kshs 60 million and by extension, Bungoma county will have Kshs 1 billion saying already the engineers and other workers are already on the ground to kick start the connectivity.
“We have changed the contractor for the project as the one who was in charge of the first phase was not competent and we would not want to go through the same experience as many people at the grass root level are waiting for the connection as we are targeting 70% connectivity in Bumula constituency,” he said.
He further disclosed that Masinga and Turkwel dams that are highly depended on electricity production are almost full saying t will also help to reduce the cost of electricity that has of late been so high.
CS Keter also said a new line will be constructed from Olkaria, lessos to Uganda then Rwanda saying the one being currently used was built a long time ago and cannot be able to evacuate sufficient power to residents.
“Another line will be built from Olkaria-Narok-Bomet-Chemosit-Homabay-Kisii And Isibania which will enable a stable supply of electricity “ he added
Area Mp Mwambu Mabonga said it is a relieve to the people of his constituency saying they had been marginalised for along time saying only a 8% connectivity was too low yet the residents are genuine tax payers.
He also cautioned the contractor on the Musikoma-Mungatsi road saying he is doing a shoddy job and will not hesitate to mobilise for his removal saying residents are waiting anxiously to benefit from the project.
Bungoma County women representative Catherine Wambilianga called for a fair distribution of connectivity in the whole county saying women who are in business will be first beneficiaries as they will have to sell their produce until late.
She also assured the residents of her continued support to fund different development projects saying she will also be issuing the affirmative fund bursary cheques before the opening of schools next term.
