The Counties of Busia and Siaya are embroiled in a bitter boundary war over a piece of land measuring less than an acre.
The dispute is Lwang’a market near Osieko beach.
The market lies on three-quarter piece of land and is claimed by the two devolved units.
Prior to current tiff, Governor Sospeter Ojaamong’s administration had surveyed the section at the border of Bunyala South Ward in Bunyala Sub County and Yimbo in Bondo, respectively.
Ojaamong’s administration erected a perimeter fence five years ago.
The stand-off however escalated on Wednesday last week when rowdy youths believed to be residents of Yimbo Ward demolished the fence.
This prompted the meeting that was held on site followed by a joint survey.
The Busia team was led by Bunyala Sub County Administrator Nelson Atando, Public Administration Officer in the department of Lands David Maende, who represented Chief Officer Maurice Odundo, County Surveyor James Onyinkwa, area MCA Casper Ajuma, the provincial administration, among others.
Siaya was represented by Bondo Sub County Administrator Richard Odhiambo, Yimbo ward admin Vincent Mito, Willis Ochieng, Area MCA Willis Ochieng, Deputy Director Survey Vincent Oluoch and Assistant Chief (Got Agulu Sub location) Fredrick Ochieng, among others.
While calling for patience and sobriety in handling the matter, Mr Atando said the two levels of government were well briefed before commencement of the crucial exercise.
“All we want is to solve this matter amicably and in a friendly manner. The most important thing is to ensure the harmonious co-existence that had been witnessed in this area prevails,” he said.
In their preliminary report, the surveyors reiterated that the matter needs more input from respective departments in the two counties and the national government.
They said most plots on Siaya border had already been adjudicated.
“We need more information on the contentious section including declarations from adjudication from Siaya which has been conducting the process before we can harmonize data and declare where the boundary is,” said Mr Onyingwa on behalf of his colleague.
He said they are keen on the boundary that separates the two counties as well as demarcation of former Western and Nyanza provinces for administrative purposes.
The exercise that will take about three weeks.
The two ward reps meanwhile challenged the surveyors to exercise utmost professionalism when undertaking the activity to ensure all parties are contented.
Mr Ajuma said as leaders they support legal measures to identify the boundary between the two wards for the benefit of the locals.
“Proper survey is needed to settle the ownership of this section that has been a subject of contention with a section whose development will benefit both parties,” he said.
Mr Ochieng, on his part, said the dispute should be treated as an urgent matter considering that locals across the divide have been co-existing harmoniously.
He said they have intermarried, traded together, and exchanged their culture.
“We need to resolve this matter as soon as possible to pave way for development of the said market for the benefit of residents. We will not encourage divisive politics aimed at puncturing the very social fabric we are trying to protect,” said the ward rep.
He condemned the rowdy youths who destroyed the perimeter fence that had been erected before the dispute is resolved.
“It is illegal to vandalize government property under the guise of a boundary dispute. It is always important to observe the law. I apologize to Busia County on their behalf.”he said.
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