The Tana River County Government has handed over new permanent homes with access to essential services to flood victims in Garsen area, Tana Delta Sub-County.
Several households at the Dumi Cluster in Garsen now have renewed hope after officially receiving newly constructed homes under the “Dignified Housing Programme,” delivered through a partnership between Action Against Hunger and the County Government of Tana River.
The beneficiary families are among 141 households displaced by the devastating floods of 2023. Beneficiaries interviewed by KNA expressed relief and happiness, noting that the new homes provide a much safer living environment than their previous makeshift shelters.
The free housing initiative targets flood-affected families, providing shelter, dignity, and a fresh start for vulnerable populations. After years of living in temporary tents, residents now move into modern two-bedroom houses equipped with essential amenities, including a clean water supply and proper sanitation facilities, marking a significant step toward restoring stability and dignity.
The official handover ceremony was presided over by Governor Maj. (Rtd) Dhadho Godhana, together with County Commissioner Joseph Mwangi.
The event builds on ongoing interventions spearheaded by the County Government to strengthen disaster recovery, enhance climate resilience, and secure long-term settlements for vulnerable communities.
Governor Godhana highlighted that the Dumi Cluster handover is part of a broader, continuous commitment by his administration. “We are committed to dealing with future flood disasters and building resilience in local riverine communities,” he said.
He added that these efforts mark a shift in disaster management from reactive measures to a long-term resilience focus. Drawing from previous relocations in Kikomo, Idsowe, and parts of Bangale, the County has implemented shelter interventions informed by earlier experiences, ensuring that the Dumi housing units meet dignified living standards and are adapted to flood-prone environments.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to ensuring that every resident displaced by floods receives a decent, safe, and permanent home. He emphasized that these efforts form part of the wider “Tana Transformation Agenda,” central to engagements with national agencies, humanitarian organizations, and development partners over the past two years.
Governor Godhana called on more partners to join the initiative, noting that prior collaborations—from emergency response interventions to long-term infrastructure projects—demonstrate the significant impact of unified efforts. He stressed that strategic partnerships remain essential for scaling up dignified housing across the County.
He also reaffirmed his vision of transforming Tana River from a rural to a modern, well-planned county, noting that each completed project, including the Dumi Cluster units, brings the County closer to that goal.
County Commissioner Joseph Mwangi pledged to marshal enhanced support from the national government. He highlighted the County’s earlier engagements with national agencies during the peak of the 2023 floods and reaffirmed that the National Government will continue to work closely with the County to ensure ongoing resettlement, recovery, and development programs remain well-coordinated and adequately supported.
He assured residents that the national government is committed to realizing the broader “Tana Dream” of a flood-free, resilient county.
by Hussein Abdullahi
