National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula says the government intends to set up a dry port at the Malaba border to enhance cross-country business with neighbouring States.
This indicates plans to increase the number of dry ports in the country to two after the one that was put up by the former government in Naivasha.
Wetang’ula said the plan, when realised, will help spur economic activities in the Western region that has had a stagnated growth after suffering a fall in sugar production and other economic ventures.
Wetang’ula further revealed more plans to construct a duo carriage road in Malaba to boost the activities of the planned establishment of the dry port.
He said a dual carrier road will help ease the perennial snarl up challenge by trailers waiting clearance with good destined to neighbouring countries.
“Plans are at an advanced stage to construct a dry port at Malaba and a dual carriage road connecting to the border point to heighten investment and address the heavy traffic jam caused by trailers transporting goods to countries in the region,” said Wetang’ula.
A dry port, he said, will be key to stimulating the economy of the region.
He made the remarks at Our Lady of Lourdes Malaba Catholic Parish in Teso North Constituency, Busia County, where he led 12 MPs from the region in a funds drive to support completion of a modern church.
There are also plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Malaba, and the latest developments would be key to opening up business activities when realised.
Wetang’ula explained that a dry port will help traders store their goods as they await clearance to transport to the markets in East African Community (EAC) member States.
He added that other benefits that will accompany the port include job creation, establishment of industries to cash on ready market and building of houses to satisfy demand for real estate.
Wetang’ula said he is aware of the challenges drivers of trailers who get stuck in a traffic jam were facing.
He noted that leaders from the region addressed the natter with president
Ruto during his development tour of the region recently.
While reacting to calls by the MPs who accompanied him not to relent on his efforts to unite the Luhyia community, Wetang’ula attributed the division among the community to their leaders.
“Our local people have always been united but it is the leaders who cause the division for their selfish political gains. This time round we will not allow this to happen,” said Wetang’ula.
The leaders under the Western MPs Caucus led by their chairman John Waluke said they were ready to rally behind Wetang’ula to help them ascend to presidency at the end of president Ruto’s tenure.
“We as MPs under the caucus subscribe to different political affiliations but we have agreed that Wetang’ula is our choice in driving the political, social and economic agenda of the region,” said Waluke.
Other MPs who assured Wetangula of their unwavering support during the meeting included Beatrice Elachi, Nabii Nabwera, Emmanuel Wangwe, Innocent Mugabe, Hon. Malulu Injendi, John Makali and the host Okuu Kaunya.
While acknowledging their support, Wetang’ula said: “We have other leaders but i am the one leading the park.”
“I will walk with courage and confidence because of your backing and I will not let you down,” he added.
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