Arthur Odera, the Deputy Governor of Busia County and the County’s Cabinet Secretary for Health, acknowledged the deplorable state of the sewage system and treatment works in Burumba Ward. He stated, “We are aware of the extremely poor state of our sewage system and treatment works, and it is true that, so far, we have taken no action to address the situation for the safety of the town’s residents.” Mr Odera further admitted, “It is also true that this situation poses a significant health risk to residents, especially those living near the treatment works and using downstream water, which should, under normal circumstances, be treated before being released into local waterways
The Busia County government has failed to rehabilitate the town’s only sewage system, with the treatment ponds long since overtaken by weeds, bushes, trees, and various forms of vegetation. The sewage system and treatment works, which cost hundreds of millions of shillings when constructed under the former Municipal Council, have deteriorated into a complete shambles during Governor Paul Otuoma’s tenure.
Despite the rapid population growth of Busia town and its status as the county’s administrative headquarters, there are no signs of rehabilitation in sight. Ironically, the county leadership has been fully aware of the dire state of the sewage system since taking office after the 2022 general elections. They had promised to transform the town into the “pearl of the Kenya-Uganda border,” with aspirations of making it a gateway to the East African Community (EAC) and the Great Lakes Region.
Arthur Odera, the Deputy Governor of Busia County and the County’s Cabinet Secretary for Health, acknowledged the deplorable state of the sewage system and treatment works in Burumba Ward. He stated, “We are aware of the extremely sorry state of our sewage system and treatment works, and it is true that, so far, we have taken no action to address the situation for the safety of the town’s residents.”
Mr. Odera further admitted, “It is also true that this situation poses a significant health risk to residents, especially those living near the treatment works and using downstream water, which should, under normal circumstances, be treated before being released into local waterways.”
However, the Deputy Governor could not explain the lack of action regarding the rehabilitation of the collapsed treatment works. He stated that Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma was the most appropriate person to provide answers about the situation.
Unfortunately, the Governor could not be reached for comment, as he was reportedly out of the county on official duties. He did not respond to phone calls or return messages.
A visit to the treatment works by The Weekly Vision team revealed a horrifying scene of total decay, rot, collapse, abandonment, extreme vandalism, and destruction. Beyond the extensive growth of vegetation in the treatment ponds, the infrastructure itself had been ravaged. Barbed-wire fences, roads, security iron guardrails, gates, and even the security guardhouse had all been vandalized.
The administrative block, once pristine, had been reduced to little more than a shell. Doors, windows, sinks, furniture, desks, chairs, and filing cabinets were completely destroyed.
The concrete walls of the treatment ponds had been battered and shattered to such an extent that even a layperson could recognize the devastation. The entire complex resembled the aftermath of a bombed area, akin to the destruction seen in Gaza—though, of course, that was not the case here.
Local residents report that the decline of the complex began after the onset of devolution and the establishment of county governments. The first county government, led by Sospeter Ojaamong for two terms, paid no attention to the facility, leaving it at the mercy of vandals and the ravages of nature.
Former Busia Municipal Council Mayor Mr. Washington Wafula, who oversaw the founding of the town’s sewage system and treatment complex and resides just 300 meters from the facility, recalled, “When this system was completed, it functioned perfectly. The water released into the local waterways was so clean that it attracted fish, which residents could catch for consumption and sell at local markets without any health concerns.”
Mr. Wafula lamented the failure of successive county governments to maintain the town’s sewage system and treatment works, exposing residents to serious health risks. Given the rapid expansion of Busia town, the demand for efficient and reliable sewage services continues to grow.
The greatest irony is that, of all Busia County’s major towns—Malaba, Amukura, Malakisi, Nambale, Butula, Bumala, Funyula, and Port Victoria—only Busia town ever had a sewage system. Even Busia town on the Ugandan side of the border lacks one.
Continues tomorrow…
