Hundreds Displaced in Busia as Floods continue to Cause Havoc

Busia, Tuesday May 2, 2023

KNA by Absalom Namwalo

Hundreds of families in Busia County are stranded following a downpour that has marooned their homes causing massive destruction.

The worst affected villages are Akiriamasi in Teso South, Amoni in Teso North and four others in Bunyala Sub County.

According to residents, properties of unknown value including household goods, poultry, crops and livestock were washed away by the flash floods.

Speaking to the press, Amukura West MCA Bonface Ekabten appealed to the National and County Governments as well as humanitarian organisations to render a helping hand in terms of foodstuff, temporary shelters and medical support.

“We are appealing for urgent intervention from the government, red cross and other organisations to save lives. I fear an outbreak of cholera and malaria if the affected families don't get support,” noted Ekabten.

Similar sentiments were made by Bunyala North MCA Alianda Sylvanus Maindi who noted that a number of homes have been destroyed and crops washed away in four villages including Igingo, Shivanje and Khulihindu.

Maindi noted that some roads in the sub county have been cut off adding: “The situation in Budalangi is not new to anyone, even as families are moving to higher grounds where over 250 other families have been camping since 2020,” noted Maindi.

“We are now seeking for a permanent solution to the floods that have wreaked havoc in Bunyala every rainy season,” he added.

Busia Deputy Governor Arthur Odera Speaking at Lukolis dispensary called on NEEMA to stop sand harvesting that is now a leading contributor to environmental degradation that has led to floods in most parts of Amukura West ward.

“I call upon NEEMA and mining companies to control these activities in the county before we start blaming games at times of calamities,” noted Odera.

Leonard Bwire, a fish vendor noted it will be a tall order to pay school fees as schools open next week. “We are stranded. Some families with newborns are finding it difficult to cater for their babies.

"Construction of dykes should be top most priority to avoid escalation of the problem though the permanent solution should be construction of dams. The government should avail fast maturing maize seeds and other inputs to affected families to enable them replant once the floods subside," he said.

Courtesy; K.N.A