As the rains continue to rain in most parts of the country hundreds of families in Akiriamasi village Teso south, Amoni village in Teso North and four villages in Bunyala Sub County in Busia County are stranded in their homes due to floods.
River Malakisi that has been dry for the past few months burst its banks causing water back flow affecting Akiriamasi, Amoni and Omaria villages respectively.
According to residents, properties of unknown value including household goods, poultry, crops and livestock were washed by the ravaging floods.
Amukura West Member of County Assembly of Busia Mr Bonface Ekabten the affected families have moved to higher places after their houses were destroyed by the floods.
He appealed well wishers to intervene in terms of foodstuff, temporary shelters and medical support.
“We appeal for urgent intervention from booth national, the county government and other well wishers to come in and save lives. I fear there will be an outbreak of cholera and malaria if the affected families don’t get support to avert the situation,” said Mr Ekabten.
His Bunyala North Member of county assembly counterpart Mr Sylvanus Alianda noted that a number of homes from Igigo, Shivanje,khuluhindu villages in his ward have been destroyed with crops washed away.
“The situation in Budalangi is not new to anyone, even as families are moving to raised places now over 250 other families have been in the camp since 2020,”
“We are now seeking for a permanent solution to the floods that have been affecting Bunyala every rainy season,” he added.
Busia deputy governor Mr Arthur Odera Speaking at Lukolis dispensary in called on the National Environment Management Authority to act shift on sand harvesting adding that the mining is a leading contributor to environmental degradation that has led to floods in most parts of Teso region.
“I call upon the department of National environment Management authority and mining department to control these activities in the county before we start blame games when calamities hits,” said Mr Odera.
Francis Aredo, a resident of Bunyala was displaced after water from River Nzoia swept away his entire homestead.
“I have nowhere to go and feeding my children has become difficult because all of our food items have been destroyed by the flood,” said Aredo.
Mr Leonard Bwire, a fish vendors noted it will be difficult for him to raise school fees for his children next week adding that his business has been affected badly.
“We are stranded with our business. Some families with newborns are finding it difficult to cater for their babies. It is a difficult situation,” Mr Bwire.
“Construction of dykes should be top most priority to avoid escalation of the problem. A permanent solution will be the construction of dams.
About the Author
