Members of the National Assembly last week had an opportunity to ask the Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Ms. Alice Wahome questions when she appeared before the Plenary. 

Hon. Samuel Atandi (Alego Usonga) asked CS Wahome to explain to the steps the Ministry has put in place to resolve the issue of collapsing dykes in Alego Usonga and Budalangi Constituencies. Further he sought to know the measures put in place by the Government to conserve Lake Kanyaboli in Siaya County.

In addition,  Hon. Atandi asked Hon. Wahome to give the timelines within which the victims displaced by floods and those who lost property due to floods from Lake Kanyaboli will receive compensation. 

In her response, CS Wahome stated that flood control around the country is currently implemented by the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority. According to the CS, the Authority is implementing projects that will reduce perennial floods. 

On the issue around flooding of Lake Kanyaboli, CS Wahome said the Ministry has put in place measures to restore old dykes and ensure the narrow areas are expanded, in addition dredging of the river channel will be done to ensure better flow of the river. 

On the question of compensation, the CS stated that flooding is a natural disaster and the Government was unable to deal with it at the moment.

The speaker, Rt Hon. Moses Wetang'ula allowed Hon. Jared Okello (Nyando) and Hon. Raphael Wanjala (Budalangi) to ask supplementary questions. Hon. Okello asked CS Wahome to explain the plans her Ministry had put in place to address the issue of perennial floods in Nyando constituency. 

Hon. Wanjala on the other hand, asked Hon. Wahome to explain why the Ministry could not increase allocation to help dredge River Yala and River Nzoia in Budalangi to help create a smooth flow of water to Lake Victoria noting that in the current budget only Kshs.30 million has been allocated. 

Responding to the questions, Hon. Wahome told the House that the long term solution for River Nyando floods is the construction of Doy-Koru Dam. She however, told Members that the project is facing challenges although re-evaluation is being undertaken. 

On the question by Hon. Wanjala, CS. Wahome confirmed that the Government had recently taken up the construction of dykes along the 34 kilometers stretch of River Nzoia at a cost of Kshs.2 billion.