The residents of Nyarach in Rongo Constituency of Migori County have opposed a proposal for construction of affordable houses at Nyarach Primary School land.
The residents expressed fears that the planned project could jeopardize the expansion of the school in the future.
Speakers during a public hearing of the proposals said they will only buy a plan than aligned and not conflicting with schools, like colleges and health facilities, to ensure that the primary purpose for which the community hived out the land remained supreme.
Speaking during a Public Participation exercise the area Member of Parliament, Paul Abuor, had a hard time cooling the fury from residents who outrightly dismissed the pleas to allow the project kick off for the development of the remote area
Abuor, who was reportedly on a mission to convince the community to allow the project to come up to despite their reservations, argued that such an initiative had the potential to open up and spur economic growth in the region.
“Affordable houses are good, but they have limited benefits to us. Instead, let the government build colleges and dispensaries, which will benefit us all,” said Peter Asere, one of the participants.
Alternatively, they asked the government to finish other pending projects before starting another, which they said would still stagnate.
“Affordable houses are already in Siala. Finish them up then we will see if more are needed to benefit us,” added Elder Asere.
The residents also argued that among the several promises given by President William Ruto during his past visits to the area, only one promise has been fulfilled.
They also urged the area MP to consider re-channeling the available affordable houses funds to building laboratories for the CBE students and teachers’ quarters, which they believe would improve the quality of education in the area.
MP Abuor, after noticing that the residents were not ready to change their minds into accepting his quest, agreed with their opinion, promising to deliver their demands to the higher level.
“I am your servant and you are my employer. I have to listen to you, and I will go by your resolutions,” he said.
The proposed affordable housing scheme at the school was to cost almost Sh 10 billion.
By Sharon Kidiga and George Agimba
