Proposed land for Siaya Governors Ksh.45M residence unsuitable NEMA

The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) wants the proposed site for the construction of Siaya Governor’s residence changed.

According to Mr. William Opiyo, the NEMA Director in Siaya County, the site that had been proposed for the Ksh.45 million governor’s residence in North Alego Ward is swampy and therefore not suitable for that project.

The Director stated that after conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment, NEMA established that the area also has a community water pan and therefore ordered the Siaya County Government to look for alternative land for the project.

Mr. Opiyo who spoke to Radio Ramogi however stated that the county government can still be allowed to put up the project in that area if they prove that they can rehabilitate that land to be suitable for the construction.

He stated that as long as the county government proves that it is ready to follow due procedures by effectively engaging members of the public through proper public participation, they can still be allowed to carry on with the project.

The Director stated that the county government will be required to convince NEMA that it is also ready to provide the residents with an alternative place for the water pan so as to avoid interfering with the people’s livelihood and the environment.

The Siaya County Assembly Speaker’s residence was also supposed to be constructed in the same area but the project was stopped after the land was found unsuitable.