By Tobias Ogutu
Most government projects do not run smoothly from start to finish, unlike those managed by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). I wonder why the government, despite its many advantages, cannot complete projects while NGOs can. The issue is not financial capability. Even if the government were given the same amount of money as an NGO to address the same problem, it would likely still fail to deliver, whereas the NGO would do a commendable job. The government struggles to run projects smoothly due to corruption embedded within its system.
The residents of Nyalenda A Ward continue to urge the county government to complete the work that began 20 years ago at the Capital Community Hall. While the hall itself was well constructed and serves the community during meetings, the toilets remain unusable. They lack water and other essential facilities needed for proper functionality. The residents are puzzled by the delay, especially since the allocated budget for the project was more than sufficient. However, after two decades, the toilets are still out of service. Richard Malalo, the hall caretaker, explains that he has to keep the toilets locked because there is no water supply and the septic tank is too small.
During various public participation meetings, residents have requested that the county allocate funds to complete the toilet project; however, no action has been taken so far. Mzee Joshua Gaya, a community leader, has been following up on the contractor responsible for the work and discovered that the amount of money presented to the public during these meetings was not the same as the funds actually disbursed to the contractor. As a result, the contractor had to halt the work due to insufficient allocated funds. This is one of the many unfinished projects within Nyalenda A.
When PLAN International took over the toilet and biogas production plant at Pand Pieri School, everything ran smoothly, and the entire project was completed in just two months. This clearly demonstrates that where corruption exists, development progresses at a slow pace.
The county government is filled with half-completed projects that were initiated primarily to create opportunities for corruption rather than to bring about positive change in the community. These projects remain stalled, and despite citizens’ calls for their completion, no action is being taken.
It is high time for the county government to deliver justice to the people of Nyalenda A Ward and other areas with incomplete projects by completing them, especially since the allocated funds have already been disbursed.
