MP Joshua Oron donating relief food to the affected families in Kapuothe on November 30, 2024 during his visit. Photo by Wonder.
Perhaps it sounds a good news to residents of Kapuothe in Kisumu Central as area MP, Dr. Joshua Oron paid them a visit, following up surging flooding due to a heavy downpour on Friday this week.
With help in form of donation to the affected families, the MP promised to offer a permanent solution as he claimed they have identified the main cause of the flooding problem.
He confirmed that a significant damage of a dyke in L. Victoria, is the main reason behind the rapidly overflowing water to various homes in the area. He, however, affirmed that the problem can be reversed, through building a gabion.
“The assessment of the situation is that there is significant damage to the dyke running up to Lake Victoria along Nyamasaria River, and it is a preventable issue. The damaged area of the dyke is about 100 meters long, and having assessed it, I believe that proper gabion will be able to stop that,” he stated.
He also promised to write letters to the National Government to step in and offer support, claiming that the problem is beyond the County Government in terms of funds required.
“The water here has never been seen before, the magnitude of floods here today is unparalleled. I want to appeal to the National Government because both the MP and county government cannot do much alone. This is the time they need to respond, and they have started responding even now by giving us food items.”
Dr. Oron also assured residents of Kapuothe and Nyalenda B that he will not abandon them, citing his commitment to support them in their times of need.
“I have identified the problem, and as an action man, I will wait for the water to reduce, then we will tackle the problem,” he said.
In attendance was Deputy County Commissioner, Kisumu Central Mr. Langat, who requested the residents to move to higher places because more rain is expected.
On Friday, the government through the ministry of Interior issued a notice asking residents in the affected areas to relocate to other places.
In Kisumu Central alone, according to the government, more than 200 households have been affected, and more than 100 acres of crops washed away by floods.
As of Friday, 47 households were hosted at Nanga primary school where they are assisted by State Department for Special Programmes and the Kenya Redcross, among other agencies.
In the constituency, besides Kapuothe, areas such as Nanga, Wigwa, Lower Katuoro and some parts of Dunga have been affected by the floods.
Additionally, some parts of Kisumu county including Kaloo, Alara, Kawuore, Kanyawade, Kamiendi, Awuor Ajwang’, Onjweru, Kodie, Kodeyo, Kobuong and some parts of Kachola in Kisumu East have been negatively impacted.
Areas of Ahero in Nyando Constituency have also been hit by the downpour.
The government, however, confirmed its support and commitment in monitoring the situation which is currently affecting some parts of the country.
Victims are urged to cooperate with various response teams in the process.
