Busia County government Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) withthe Red Cross Society of Kenya towards disaster response.
Governor Paul Otuoma who is the patron of the association in the county in a statement read by acting county secretary Oscar Juma said that he was committed towards disaster management in Busia.
“As the Patron of the Society in Busia, I wish to reiterate that we value this renewed working partnership and look forward towards implementing and strengthening key focal areas in our agreement.”
“These include disaster risk management, mitigation and response, health, capacity building of affected communities and warehouse services, among others,” said Otuoma.
He said he supported the remarks made by the head of delegation and Red Cross Secretary General Dr Ahmed Idris, to the effect that the county disaster profile makes it mandatory for their continued support in delivery of humanitarian services and disaster response initiatives.
Others who attended the event in Busia town included County Executive Committee Members, Pamella Awori (Public Service), Douglas Okiring (Strategic Partnership), Andrew Nakitare (Public Works) and Andrew Meso (Water).
The Red Cross boss was accompanied by Maurice Anyango (Head of West Kenya Region head) and Raphael Amusala (Red Cross Busia County Chairperson) among other officers.
Idris said that the society was committed to working with the county in disaster management in areas like Budalangi, which are always prone to floods during the heavy rainy season.
Meanwhile Otuoma has reiterated that infrastructural development is key to the facelift of Busia town.
He said that the expansion of the last stretch of Kisumu-Busia road to the Kenya-Uganda border is gaining momentum with construction of proper drainage system to avert flooding during heavy rains.
“One lane on the expanded road, will be specifically dedicated to trucks to reduce the perennial traffic snarl-up and promote trade at the border town,”Otuoma said.
By Collins Wanzallah
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