Busia: Busia governor Dr. Paul Nyongesa Otuoma has applauded the move by the head of state to provide a lasting solution to the residents of Budalang’i, who for many years have been plagued by flood-related problems.
According to Kenya News Agency, Budalang’i has long been synonymous with flood challenges, with criticism often directed at the government for not harnessing the free-flowing water that has caused significant damage. The initiative by President William Ruto to bring an additional 10,000 acres of land under irrigation has been welcomed by residents and leaders as a transformative measure aimed at tapping the region’s potential, especially for rice cultivation.
The Sh6.9 billion Lower Nzoia Irrigation and Flood Mitigation project has gained momentum with the recent issuance of title deeds to residents who surrendered their land for the project. This move seeks to compensate affected landowners, facilitating smoother land acquisition by the National Land Commission (NLC).
Governor Otuoma, addressing the press at Alupe, emphasized that the issuance of title deeds will enable residents to relocate and stimulate economic progress, thus countering the high poverty levels exacerbated by floods. He praised President Ruto’s administration for addressing poverty and unemployment caused by adverse weather patterns.
During his recent development tour of the county, President Ruto announced an additional Sh2.9 billion investment in the project, supplementing the initial Sh4 billion allocated for dyke rehabilitation and a 33-kilometre canal. Phase 1 of the project aims to enhance food security and avert floods in Siaya and Busia counties by utilizing over 30,000 acres for rice farming.
The President is also set to launch construction of the Southern Dyke to control periodic floods in areas like Musoma and Mau Mau Market due to Lake Victoria’s backflow. Other initiatives include laying the foundation for canal construction under Phase 1 of the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project (LNIP) at Mundika B, in the Bunyala sub-county.
Currently, 22 km of the 31-kilometer-long canal connecting Busia and Siaya counties is complete, with the remaining 9 km expected to finish by year’s end. The project is anticipated to expand rice cultivation to over 20,000 acres, boosting food production and enabling farmers to diversify their crops.
Phase II of the LNIP will provide Busia County with an additional 6,500 acres under irrigation, while Siaya County will gain approximately 3,500 acres. With reduced backflow, Bunyala is poised to become an agricultural hub, offering an alternative to other irrigation schemes in line with government efforts to reduce food imports.
Governor Otuoma expressed gratitude to the President for his commitments, including acquiring a Water Master Dredger for river desilting, commissioning the Rwambwa-Mau Mau Road, and allocating Sh32 million for the renovation of Jaramogi University (JOOUST) Bunyala Campus.