Subukia Sub-County residents have been urged to effectively participate in the affairs of the sub-county to push development.
This is according to Subukia Ward MCA Peter Njoroge Mwanjo who said failure by the residents in embracing public participation is to blame when development stalls. He said poor workmanship on projects meant to benefit the residents should partly go to them as they rarely make follow-ups on how the work is being done.
“People need to engage themselves with what is going on. It is their right to be informed on the developments being carried out by the county government and this is the only way that they will ensure the work being done is completed and of good standard,” he said.
The MCA gave an example of a public toilet that collapsed a couple of weeks after completion even though it was approved by the county engineer.
Sub-County administrator Catherine Muiruri stressed the importance of public participation saying as a way of promoting access to information, her office will put up noticeboards where Subukia residents will be kept informed of what is happening.
“In fighting corruption, we will be setting up tendering and supervising committees that will be composed of professionals and local residents as a way of promoting transparency and openness,” she added.
Subukia CDF Manager Caesar Gatimu said residents must remain vigilant on the usage of public funds rather than complaining when misuse is reported.
At the same time, Mwanjo warned county askaris against harassing businessmen at the trading centre. He said there are numerous complaints of harassment by the enforcement officers and urged the sub county administrator to foster good relations with the business people.
The three were speaking on Tuesday during a familiarisation meeting with residents and sub-county officers.