By Collins Wanzallah
Governor Paul Otuoma of Busia County has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between his county and the Red Cross Society of Kenya. Governor Otuoma, who is the patron of the society in the county, said in a statement that was read on his behalf by acting county secretary Oscar Juma that he was committed to fighting against disasters in Busia.
“As the Patron of the Society in Busia, I wish to reiterate that we value this renewed working partnership and look forward towards implementing and strengthening key focal areas in our agreement, including disaster risk management, mitigation and response, health, capacity building of affected communities, and warehouse services, among others, said Otuoma.
He went on to say that he supported the remarks made by the head of the delegation and Red Cross Secretary General Dr Ahmed Idris, to the effect that the county disaster profile makes it mandatory for their continued support in the delivery of humanitarian services and disaster response initiatives.
Others who attended the event in Busia Town included County Executive Committee Members Pamella Awori (Public Service), Douglas Okiring (Strategic Partnership), Andrew Nakitare (Public Works), and Andrew Meso (Water). The Red Cross boss was accompanied by Maurice Anyango (head of West Kenya Region) and Raphael Amusala (Red Cross Busia County Chairperson), among other officers.
Idris, on his part, said that the Red Cross Society was committed to working with the county in disaster management in areas like Budalangi, which is always prone to floods during the heavy rainy season. Meanwhile, Otuoma has reiterated that infrastructural development is key to the facelift of Busia town. He said that the expansion of the last stretch of the Kisumu-Busia Road to the Kenya-Uganda border is gaining momentum with the construction of a proper drainage system to avert flooding during heavy rains.
“One lane on the expanded road will be specifically dedicated to trucks to reduce the perennial traffic snarl-up and promote trade at the border town, Otuoma has said.
