Development to go on

Construction of a sh800 million sewerage project in Maraba estate in Kakamega County is set to resume after stalling for two years.

This comes after the county government agreed to compensate all aggrieved residents who feel the project is a health hazardous.

The residents had complained that the county government had refused to compensate those residing near the sewerage plant saying the sewage was a recipe of air borne disease and wanted to relocate to ‘safer’ estates.

“It’s good that the county government has decided to involve us in this project. We are waiting to relocate to other areas because we fear our children may be affected by the sewage. We are now in full support of the project to resume,” said Lawrence Agunga, the chairman of Maraba estate Project Affected People.

The proposed project is being funded by the Germany Development Bank in partnership with Kakamega County government.

The project that was commissioned in 2012 and had been stalled after residents moved to court to stop the construction but later withdrew the case and frequent squabbles between the land owners and the county government over compensation.

“Even as the county government has accepted to compensate those willing to relocate, we still demand that we are compensated the real value of our land. We don’t want land owners to be oppressed but duly compensated,” said Adrian Meja, a resident.

“We also need to ensure that every investment we have put in place in these lands are compensated because we have invested a lot and we cannot allow it to go to waste,” said Jairus Shitemo, a resident.

On Monday, a county government delegation led by the county executive member of Environment Penina Mukabane met the residents during a public participation forum meeting.

“This project is funded by donors and if we continue holding the county government at ransom, we are going to lose this opportunity to provide proper sanitation for Kakamega County. The project is meant to serve this town for 20 years and if the donor will withdrew their support, we lose a big time,” said Mukabane.

She explained that Environment Impact Assessment proposed various mechanism that will be put in place to ensure high level of protection of environment and residents.

She further said that there will be no forceful eviction of residents but those who wish to willingly relocate will be compensated.

“We are only determined to improve sanitation of this town. The feasibility study conducted recommended this area as an appropriate area for the town’s sewerage system. For those who wish to remain, be sure you will be safe,” she said.

Speaking in the same forum, the county Executive Member for Land, Housing and Urban Areas Suleiman Sumba said they will be a land valuation to determine the real value of land before residents are compensated.

 “Land valuer report will determine what to pay to each land owner. You will be asked to fill consent forms to give a lee way for valuation because you are compensated. Let all of us accept the valuation report,” said Sumba.

So far 66 residents have so far surrender copies of title deeds ready to relocate form the area.

..ENDS….