The County Assembly’s Select Committees on the Budget and Appropriation, Infrastructure, Transport and Public Works and the County Department of Public Works, conducted an assessment of the Turkwel River protection works, to determine the completion status of the project aiming at protecting residents of Lodwar from possible floods.

The County Executive Committee Member for Infrastructure, Transport and Public Works, Patrick Losike led the team in inspecting the project with the intention of safeguarding LOWASCO boreholes at Moi Garden, St Kevin Secondary School, St Teresa Pastoral Centre, and other parts of town from damages occasioned by breaking of the river banks, as it has been in the past.

CECM Losike used the opportunity to brief the Committee Members on the scope of the project. He explained in detail the progress status of the project and the challenges experienced in the execution period.

The Public Works CECM asked the Committee to consider revising the cost of the project upwards to also include protection of property and investments in areas at high risk when the river changes its direction.

Speaking during the assessment visit, the Chair of the Committee on Budget and Appropriation, Patrick Napion, noted the concern from the Department of Public Works on the request to revise the cost of the project upwards.

Hon. Napion said he will present the proposal before the Committee of the whole House for deliberations on the same.

On the same note, the chair of the Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Public Works, Mathew Alany echoed the sentiment by Hon. Napion to prioritize revising the cost of the project upwards.

He added that it was necessary for the Department to consider completing the project in phases, such that the residents of Lodwar Municipality are well protected from the ravages of occasional flash floods.

Mark Achilla (Chief Officer of transport and Infrastructure) and Marian Lotieng (Chief Officer, Public Works) were also present during the assessment.