Kisumu County Woman Representative Hon. Ruth Busia Adhiambo Odinga has called for a permanent solution to the perennial flooding in Nyando, emphasizing that the cycle of displacement and suffering must end.
Speaking on Tuesday, December 3, during a visit to Ogenya Displaced Persons Camp, which is currently sheltering 1,973 flood victims, Hon. Odinga proposed the expedited completion of the Koru-Soin Dam and the construction of robust dykes as lasting remedies.
“The annual displacement of our people due to floods is outdated and unacceptable. This is not just a crisis of infrastructure but of dignity. A completed Koru-Soin Dam would be a transformative achievement for the broad-based government,” she stated.
Odinga criticized the insufficient funding of Ksh. 1 million allocated to the dam project, urging the government to allocate more resources or explore Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to ensure its swift completion.
She further pointed out the lack of adequate evacuation centers, urging the national government to prioritize building proper facilities equipped with separate spaces for men, women, and children to prevent issues such as teenage pregnancies in crowded shelters.
“We need well-structured evacuation centers with clear gender demarcations to safeguard the dignity and safety of displaced families. What we have now is grossly inadequate,” she remarked.
Hon. Odinga also highlighted the need for medical camps in evacuation areas to address the increased risk of waterborne diseases and malaria. Additionally, she identified the backflow of Lake Victoria and siltation as significant contributors to the flooding and called for lake desiltation efforts to complement the construction of dykes.
“Addressing the root causes of flooding is vital. Proper infrastructure, medical support, and proactive planning will save lives and preserve livelihoods,” she said.
Hon. Odinga urged parents to ensure the safety of children during the school holidays, especially in flood-prone areas.
The national flood crisis has displaced over 3,970 households, disrupted agriculture and transport, and resulted in 12 fatalities, with one person still missing.
The visit to Ogenya was led by Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, and included Budalangi MP Hon. Raphael Wanjala, Muhoroni MP Hon. Onyango K’Oyoo, Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, and Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa, among others.
