Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-06 04:30:00
Opposition leader Raila Odinga is calling for county governments to prioritize proper planning in order to prevent tragedies such as the recent gas plant explosion in Embakasi, Nairobi, in which six people lost their lives. Odinga emphasized that the lack of proper planning in counties has led to challenges in housing, drainage, and sanitation for residents. He believes that tough decisions like demolitions, relocating structures and people, and restructuring systems are necessary solutions, and urged citizens to bear the short-term pain for long-term benefits.
Odinga argued that the main source of failure in Kenya today is not the lack of manpower, knowledge, or funds, but the lack of planning. He specifically pointed out the issue of the gas filling station in Nairobi and the unsafe practices of vehicles on the country’s highways. He cited that major cities like Paris, London, Tokyo, and Washington DC have been able to provide essential services and retain their identity due to their early and consistent planning.
He warned against embracing chaos, using the example of businesses moving to Kajiado and Machakos due to chaos in Nairobi, and urged Kisumu not to follow the same path. Odinga emphasized that reorganizing the city may be uncomfortable at first, but it will ultimately attract investors and create jobs.
During the official commissioning of the Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company’s new office, Odinga encouraged residents to focus on rainwater harvesting. He was accompanied by Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, his deputy Dr. Mathew Owili, County Assembly Speaker Elisha Jack Oraro, Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron, Kiwasco Managing Director Thomas Odongo, and Kiwasco Board Chairperson Phyllis Chepkemboi.
Governor Nyong’o pledged to improve roads and sanitation in the county and urged the utility firm to minimize water losses by repairing leaks on time. Odongo, the Managing Director of Kiwasco, cited climate change as the firm’s biggest challenge with a negative impact on river discharge, affecting the water production capacity. He cited the decline in river flow due to climate change and highlighted the potential daily water production capacity of the Kajulu plant and Dunga plant, emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue.
In conclusion, Odinga’s message focuses on the importance of proper planning in county governments to address housing, drainage, sanitation, and overall urban development to prevent future tragedies and attract investment for long-term benefits. The call for reorganizing cities like Nairobi and Kisumu is emphasized as a necessary step for progress and the creation of sustainable urban environments.
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