By Habil Onyango
The County Government of Homa Bay has implemented a range of development projects funded through budgetary allocations under the FLLoCA-CCIS and CCRI grants.
Governor Gladys Wanga disclosed this when she appeared before the Senate Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources.
Among the initiatives highlighted were the drilling and equipping of boreholes with solar powered pumps to provide reliable, clean and safe water to communities and households across Sub counties and Wards.
The County has also rehabilitated the Awach Tende Rural Water Scheme and the Sindo Water Project alongside developing the Homa Bay Town Arboretum.
In addition, the County distributed drought resistant seeds and issued grants to 82 youth and women community groups to support tree nurseries.
Governor Wanga stated that a total of Ksh. 358,145,148 had been spent on the projects.
Despite these achievements, she pointed out several challenges that have negatively affected implementation. These include unpredictable and delayed disbursement of funds, capacity gaps within community groups and inadequate resources to support climate resilience efforts.
She further told the Committee that vandalism of completed projects remains a major threat to the sustainability of climate resilience investments in the County.
“These challenges have restricted the scale and reach of interventions, making it difficult to deliver comprehensive solutions for all proposed interventions across all vulnerable population,” submitted Governor Wanga.
Members of the Committee commended the Governor for the progress made but urged the County Government to take decisive action to curb vandalism.
“We are impressed with the projects implemented and being implemented in Homa Bay Governor. Your tree nursery is rated among the best projects,” stated Committee Chairperson Sen. Mohamed Faki (Mombasa).
Other Senators present were Allan Chesang (Trans Nzoia), Joe Nyutu (Murang’a), James Murango (Kirinyaga), Beatrice Ogolla and Johnes Mwaruma (Taita Taveta).
