House team calls for completion of mega projects in Western, Nyanza

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Regional Development has embarked on an inspection of projects managed by the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) in Western and Nyanza.

The committee called for proper funding and completion of multi-billion development projects in the region.

In Kisii, the committee inspected the Sh350 million Nyakoe market which was supposed to be implemented in two phases.

The LBDA Managing Director, Wycliffe Ochiaga said the first phase, which cost Sh149 million has been completed and the project handed over to the Kisii county government.

The second phase will cost Sh201 million and the market is expected to accommodate 300 traders.

County Executive for Trade, Cyrus Nyabicha said revenue collection increased from Sh19 million to Sh40 million after the opening of the market which serves Migori, Kisii and Homa Bay counties.

The committee vice-chairperson Mary Wamaua said they would lobby for funding of phase two of the project.

“The county government should also spend part of the revenue to maintain and improve the project. We hope to get enough funding for the project in the next financial year," said Wamaua.

In Kisumu, the committee noted that the Lake Basin Mall has a loan of Sh4.4 billion, inclusive of penalties and interest.

The facility has attracted 30 per cent occupation. Mr Ochiaga informed the committee that the mall was completed in April 2016 and handed over to LBDA.

Cooperative Bank facilitated the construction of the mall at Sh2.5 billion, disbursed between 2013-2015.

The loan is accruing interest and penalties, forcing LBDA to negotiate with the bank.

The authority received Sh2 billion between the Financial Year 2016/17 and the Financial Year 2017/18 through the Ministry of Devolution.

The committee suggested that the marketing and publicity teams enhance the advertisement of the premises and look for other lucrative ways, including lowering rent rates, to attract customers.

At Kabuchai constituency, the committee launched the St. Joseph Nalondo Girls' and community water project, which is being implemented by LBDA as part of the drought mitigation measures.

The schools is expected to benefit more than 1,200 learners while 4,000 households will get water supply, besides serving the neighbouring church and a primary school.

Later, the committee visited the Kisumu International Convention Centre, a project managed by the State Department for Devolution.

The facility, when completed is expected to serve as a multi-sectorial conference centre. Members observed that the project had stalled, and the contractors were not on-site due to a lack of funds.