By Okong’o Oduya
More than 1000 flood victims from 300 households in Bunyala sub County Busia County were on Saturday given relief food by the county government of Busia.
Led by Busia county governor Sospeter Ojaamong, and county disaster management team they distributed foodstuff in three camps in Bunyala West and South wards respectively.
According to the governor the county government spent sh1.6 million in purchasing the foodstuff. It included 200 bags of maize, 500 bags of beans, 50 bags of rice and 139 cartons of cooking oil. This happened after the public outcry of their homes in Bukoma, Musoma and Bulwani villages were submerged by floods following the backflow of Lake Victoria.
Addressing victims at Musoma ACK church Ojaamong added that Musoma flood victims received 65 bags of maize 32 bags of beans, 45 cartons of cooking oil and 16 bags of rice. On the other hand Bukoma victims received 70 bags of maize, 35 bags of beans 18 bags of rice and 45 cartons of oil. He also note that he is going to ask for help from the national government to help in addressing long lasting solution for the floods affecting the region.
“I will seek the help of the national government to have extension of dyke at Bukoma completed to avert the floods which according to residents this kind of floods was experienced in 1960s.As a county we shall put up a disaster management center where disaster related issues will be addressed.” Ojaamong said
He further advised residents to avoid lower areas as one of the permanent solution to the problem.
The governor said he will meet with President Uhuru Kenyatta to have 1929 Nile treaty amended to avoid the Lake Victoria backflow caused by neighboring country Uganda which controls the flow of water at Owen Falls dam.
He noted that the Nile treaty is a long term solution but as a way to address the issue the victims will need help from churches and any other well-wishers to help the victims.
Margret Ajiambo a flood victim whose houses are submerged by the raging flood at Bukoma said they are forced to vacate their homes to their neighbors with no beddings or food to eat. She raised fear of emerging water bone diseases caused by floods after pit latrines were submerged. They urged the national government and county government to help them with clean water and drugs for medication among other necessities.
