Over 100 households in Lugari sub county have been forced to spend sleepless nights in the cold following the damage caused by heavy rainfalls that have been pounding the area in the last few weeks.
A spot check by West Media identified Kewa village in Marakusi sub location, Milembe village in Mbagara sub location, Sambaka, Lukova and Silongo villages in Kilibot sub location as some of the affected areas.
The situation is worse at Kewa village where most of the victims who are living in swampy areas have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge from their neighbours in safer areas fearing an epidemic as a result of wetness and domestic utilization of contaminated water especially after both the bore holes and pit latrines flooded by water.
Led by Jentrix Nawire and Jane Mukoya, the victims said losses estimated to run into millions of shillings have been seen with houses collapsing and property being destroyed.
Nawire said her permanent house had collapsed and the whole structure has been left with cracks all over posing a great danger to her family. “I was deep asleep at about midnight when I heard a bang from one of the rooms and when woke up to see what was going on I was shocked to find one side of the wall collapsed,” explained Nawire.
Her sentiments were echoed by Jane Wechuli and Rose Wanjala whose houses have also collapsed exposing them to harsh condition.
Grace Isaya who is a widow said the situation inside her house is worse since it has become muddy and the furniture is sinking in the ground. “I can’t sleep on the bed, I can’t sit on the chair because they are all sinking in the ground,” explained the widow.
They lamented that despite presenting they predicament to both the national and County government official none of them has visited the area to assess the situation. “We have written and communicated to our leaders but none of them has bothered to come to the ground and see the situation,” they lamented.
The families who are among the 1,500 squatters who were allocated forest land in Mautuma Central schemes say they can’t meet the expense of paying rents and thus majority of them have been force to persevere the situation.
Some of the victims called on the government to give them an alternative land and use the current area for development of a dam that will assist Lugari residents during dry seasons.
A good Samaritan, Mrs. Emily Makokha, who has offered shelter to some of the victims has appealed for both County and national governments’ intervention to help them. “The condition is pathetic and requires a quick intervention to save these people, some have been stuck in the uncompromising conditions while others are camping in open areas without shelter,” said Mrs. Makokha.