By Anyango Ellyne
Over the last month the interior parts of Kisumu have been receiving significant upgrades in terms of betterment of rural and access roads. These projects were commissioned by the county government of Kisumu. According to the county government, the projects are aimed at opening up the interior and making them more accessible by upgrading the roads to relatively motorable standards. Areas like Otonglo have seen an improvement when an access road was constructed connecting the Kodiaga Prison road to port Florence hospital via the interior parts of the village.
These rods are opening up the interior as they wind through the livelihoods and inaccessible parts of the villages. This allows them to be accessed via cars and make it much easier by foot. Other than accessibility, the general outlook of the areas by turning the old bushy paths into perfectly levelled and clear roads. This has also had a major positive impact on the local businesses. Vivian Anyango is a local shop owner along the Kodiaga Prison road and she had many positive things to say about the new road,
“The road has been a welcome improvement for my shop. I used to close down early since the way back home was so bushy and seemed unsafe but now I can stay open for an hour longer because of the clear road home. The people living in the interior parts of the village are also able to easily access the shop as it now stands out after the clear path formed. My only wish is that some lighting be added along the road to make it even safer at night.”
According to Vivian, this road has also improved safety in the area due to the clarity of the path at night. So it is accessibility and security all in one not forgetting the aesthetic impact on the landscape. The village now looks more modern.
The county government of Kisumu has committed to continue with this development and transform rural transport and accessibility. Similar projects have been witnessed in Holo and Rabuor, upholding the constitution by providing means of movement and improving security in this areas while still distributing resources equally.
