By Robert Manyara
Busia County, Kenya: Teams from the World Bank and the County Government of Busia Kenya recently met elated residents during an inspection tour of Machakus-Gara road that links Teso South, Teso North, and Nambale Sub Counties.
The new road was constructed by the World Bank through the Kenya Devolution Support Programme (KDSP) in partnership with the County Government of Busia.
Led by Malaba South Member of the County Assembly David Kokonya, the residents said the road has opened up the region to the outside world with residents of the region also getting an opportunity to seek market for their produce in neighboring counties.
“We are excited and happy for the milestone of opening up the region which was once more or less an isolated island with no meaningful activity. The efforts by the World Bank and the County Government of Busia has opened up the area to the outside world with many people now coming to purchase land here,” Hon Kokonya said.
He added: With the road now linking three sub-counties and Bungoma county traffic is high, thus the need to create more feeder roads to save the road from severe damages.”
Residents including Michael Okai and Philip Orulu said with the poor terrain they used to carry expectant mothers or the sick to Machakus-Malaba road over 5km away, with some delivering on the way or succumbing to ailments.
Deputy Governor Moses Mulomi lauded the World Bank for availing funds to the County Government that made it open up the region, promising people of Duka Moja that their demands for more culverts, security light, and a market will be considered.
The Deputy Governor assured residents of Kamolo that Sh1.5 million has been factored in the supplementary budget for the completion of the maternity wing at Kamolo dispensary, adding that plans are also in the offing to complete the laboratory at the same health institution.
Simon Ochieng from the Ministry of Devolution who led the World Bank and multi-sectoral team appreciated the efforts put up by the county government of Busia of implementing KDSP projects, a feat that has made county residents very happy.
