The government has launched the construction of a police station at Riat-Kolemo market in Rarieda sub-county to address rising cases of insecurity in the region.
The Sh14.8 million project funded by the NG-CDF Board is expected to be completed in December this year.
Speaking during the launch, NG-CDF Board Chairman Mr. Olago Aluoch explained that the funding of the project has come from the ‘Best Demonstration Project Kitty’, which is not part of the NG-CDF allocation to the constituencies.
Olago stated that the “best demonstration project” fund is used by the board to undertake projects across the country that demonstrate to constituencies how best to utilise NG-CDF funds.
“This financial year, NG-CDF will disburse over Sh58 billion to all constituencies across the country, with Rarieda set to receive Sh192 million.
The money for the construction of this police station is not part of the Sh192 million but is direct from the NG-CDF board through the “best demonstration” kitty.
He revealed that the police station project came to the attention of the NG-CDF board through the request of the Siaya county security team, who highlighted the need for the facility as a result of rampant cases of insecurity reported in the area.
The former Kisumu West legislator said that the area NG-CDF fund manager and board chair would, however, work with the Sub County Works Officer to supervise the project, adding that the contractor must source all the unskilled labourers from the locality as a precondition for undertaking the project.
Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo, who graced the occasion, hailed the NG-CDF board for setting up the police station, saying that it would not only boost security but also ensure businesses at the ultramodern Riat-Kolemo market thrive.
Owalo disclosed that besides the police station, the national government plans to complete the Asembo-Ndori water project, the tarmacking of lwak-ka Elijah Road and the construction of a stadium at Nyilima grounds in the new financial year for the benefit of people in the region.
By Brian Ondeng
