Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has told Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa to move with speed and solve the biting water shortage in Western region.
Speaking during the burial of Mzee Francis Masai, 95, the father to Teso North MP Oku Kaunya in Kakakemer, Raila said Uganda relies on clean water from Mt Elgon which is obtained via gravity.
“Kenya should pick a leaf out of that and have water from the same source flow to Teso region and other areas via gravity; this can be executed in this financial year, and “that is the order of handshake”, he said.
CS Wamalwa said water challenges facing Teso region and Western at large were political and told politicians stop politicizing water issues.
Three water projects including Malaba, Angolol and Kocholia are mega projects that will turn around the economy of the region, besides residents receiving clean water and improved sewerage system.
Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong said his government is partnering with the National Government to ensure the three projects plus the Mt Elgon Gravity schemes are fulfilled to benefit residents of Busia County.
He assured Water Principal Secretary Joseph Irungu and CS Wamalwa that residents of Kocholia where the planned dam will be constructed are not opposed to the project, save for a few politicians who are trying to incite the locals to reject the project.
The PS had raised concerns that the multi-billion project might be relocated elsewhere if the locals will not endorse it.
Deputy Speaker and Angurai North MCA Lawrence Okaale said they welcome the Angolol water project, adding that no amount of incitement will derail them from endorsing it.
Deputy Governor Moses Mulomi urged leaders to join hands with the electorates to achieve socio-economic development.