The Red Cross Society of China has donated Kshs 10 million to help landslide and floods victims in West Pokot County to construct new houses.
The more than 1000 people are still living in Nyarkulian, Paroo and Parua camps one month down the line after their houses were buried by landslides in November and are facing a bleak festive season.
A cheque of Kshs 10 million which was presented to the area Governor John Lonyangapuo by Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa as a Christmas gift to the victims will be used to buy construction materials for the houses.
Speaking at the Governor’s residence after delivering the cheque CS Wamalwa said the government will start erecting the houses in January.
He noted that this Christmas season might not be merry to many families in the County after they lost their family members following the floods that wrecked havoc in the country.
“This is a Christmas gift from the Red Cross Society of China to assist the affected families to rebuild their homes and lives. Our support as national government will continue during and after Christmas and towards the end of January to ensure all affected families will have a home,” said Wamalawa.
He said the Chinese government has also supported the victims by giving them food items. “We have received a total of 236,000 bags of rice from China and other food items from World Food Program which will be used even during drought season,” said Wamalawa.
He assured the residents that through the cross border initiative the government has invested Kshs 250 million to construct a dam in Nasal Pokot North sub county so as to better the lives of people living in the County.
“The effects of climate change is real, Counties should think of setting aside climate change funds so that when emergencies come up the cCunties are in a capacity to avert the deaths before they occur,” said Wamalwa.
The area governor Lonyangapuo said the multi urgency committee have settled on constructing a two roomed house, with a side kitchen and toilet for the victims which will cost Kshs 35 million.