By Christopher Omondi
Many projects in my community of Kondele Ward, Kisumu county have stalled as a result of political affiliations and ignorance. Most recently market construction and latrine projects that were allocated for infrastructure development by the county government of Kisumu through the Department Of Board of Management for the financial year 2019/2020 are still lagging behind with others completely abandoned.
Kondele ward has a lot of markets amongst them konalejo and Kosawo markets which are important to my community. The traders in the area have been on the front foot championing for better infrastructure in the two markets including public bathrooms and latrines which will be my main focus as it’s still stalling five years down the line.
Due to public outcry the county government of Kisumu constructed two public toilets one in Konalejo market and another near Kosawo meant to serve the then being constructed Kosawo market which is still yet to be completed as of 2025. But the two latrine constructions which were part of the financial year 2019/20 are still not operating despite one of them(the one for konalejo market) being renovated lately. It is believed by some members of the public and even traders from the respective markets that the funds for the project have been mismanaged and that’s the main reason for the stalled project.
On attempts to reach out to the local leadership in the ward representatives and the local area member of county assembly on the plan with the stalled projects, the MCA assured that both latrines will be renovated and handed over to the local youth groups to manage them for empowerment purposes. It is not guaranteed whether this will happen as the project is now five years in.
In terms of solutions it is better that public funds are managed and accountability is enshrined but also follow up should be made by the public to push for better governance and that strict measures are made to cut off any corrupt dealings to ensure that all projects are completed.
