Busia Governor Paul Otuoma has called upon climate change partners to ensure that funds are directed towards supporting grassroots communities.
Addressing flood victims in Bunyala South Ward on Thursday, Otuoma expressed concern over the allocation of resources, noting that while numerous climate change meetings are held in upscale hotels, many affected individuals receive inadequate support.
“Despite numerous capacity-building sessions conducted in luxurious hotels over the past 60 years, our people have yet to receive significant assistance,” he remarked.
Otuoma highlighted the delay in the disbursement of the Sh35 billion allocated by the National Assembly for emergency response, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent loss of life during disasters.
He revealed that although Busia County was expected to receive Sh700 million, it has only received Sh35 million to date. Additionally, he proposed the construction of dams in various regions to mitigate flood impacts.
Furthermore, Otuoma expressed governors’ willingness to collaborate with the national government in implementing programs aimed at transitioning from rain-fed agriculture to irrigation, aligning with the vision of Vision 2030.
He urged development partners to provide tangible resources rather than confining efforts to boardroom discussions, emphasizing the necessity of alleviating the suffering of ordinary citizens.
“We must find a lasting solution to the Budalangi floods, as we also fought for Independence,” Otuoma asserted, pledging the County’s commitment to preventing avoidable loss of life.
Bunyala Deputy County Commissioner, Paul Papa, advised residents in flood-prone areas along the Nzoia River to relocate to higher ground. He noted that 1,700 displaced households living in temporary camps require urgent humanitarian aid.
In response, the County government distributed relief supplies to flood victims, including 160 bags of rice, 212 cartons of cooking fat, 90 bags of maize, 90 bags of beans, and 250 cartons of bar soap.
