Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has said he will prioritiSe developing roads in Mt Elgon constituency within Bungoma county.

Speaking in Chepkitale, Lusaka said despite the region being very rich in agriculture its residents sell their products to middlemen at a throw away price because they cannot take their produce to Chwele Market.

"W e want to improve the the lives of residents by improving the entire road network," Lusaka said.

The governor said he will focus on repairing and constructing roads, especially the feeder roads, once the central government releases funds at the start of the financial year in June.

He said the county will benefit a great deal if the region is opened up and made easily accessible by road.

" Mt Elgon forest and its rich flora and fauna is of little use to Bungoma because of the bad infrastructure in the area.

We shall focus to fix those issues as a matter of priority so that the county and the residents reap economic benefits that may arise from activities like tourism," he said.

Lusaka assured the Ogiek community who reside in the area that they will be fully involved in decision making on anything that touches their lives.

"The minority and marginalised like the Ogiek community will be the major beneficiary of devolution. My government will not discriminate against you," said the governor.

Peter Kitelo, a resident appealed to the governor not to sideline members of his marginalised Ogiek community, a sub-group of the Sabaot as it has been the case over the years.

"All we need is affirmative action, as we have intentionally been left to lag behind by policymakers. The long suffering residents need a hospital, and secondary school as a matter of priority," said Kitelo.

The governor was accompanied by his deputy Hillary Chongwony, area DC Mutisya Muli, and two county representatives Jane Chebet of Cheptais ward and Peter Cherui of Kaptama ward amongst other departmental heads.
 

Source : abdas.org

Posted on : 30 Nov,-0001