It’s race against time as the Busia County and National Governments embark on the task of delivering Muluanda Cotton Ginnery to farmers by May 31st, 2020 after revitalization.
Principal Secretary, State Department for Co-operatives in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Co-operatives, Ali Noor Ismail said Muluanda will be a model ginnery.
Its among 10 Ginneries that the National government has earmarked for revival in phases for the next three years.
Speaking on Wednesday after inspecting the facility in Samia Sub County, the PS said the National Government has injected Sh30million into the project to supplement the county government.
Busia County pumped in shs 300 million also.
“We will deliver the project in time by May 31st, 2020. The two levels of government will walk with you. We will honor our obligations and fulfil the hopes and aspirations of a community whose hopes were shattered in 1995 when the factory ceased operations,” he said.
Noor said the delivery of the ginnery will spur industrial growth, improve peoples’ livelihoods, create youth employment and help in value additions.
He regretted that production of cotton in the country has decreased.
Busia County had 3800 acres of land under cotton last season with National acreage of 100,000.
There is need for concerted efforts to revive cotton which used to blossom in 1960s and 1970s.
County Executive Committee Member for Trade and Co-operatives Judith Maketso said Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong has prioritized Muluanda ginnery.
She said the county government is ready to work with the Ministry, area Member of Parliament and all stakeholders in having the factory up and running.
Funyula MP Oundo Mudenyo said although it was a long journey towards the revival of the ginnery, he blamed extreme weakness of co-operative societies, thus the need to strengthen primary Co-operative societies.
Agriculture Chief Officer Ruth Mukhongo said cotton pesticides were available and urged farmers to collect them at the Busia Agricultural Training Centre.