A Kisii Member of County Assembly has constituted a group of ten people whom he will pay whenever they give grave digging services for any bereaved family in the region.
Speaking on Sunday at Ekona village in Chitago-Borabu ward, Hon. Albert Oino defended his move saying it was long overdue since many people have always boycotted community grave digging as it used to be in the past, making things difficult for families who lose their beloved ones.
He said the move will also give youths an opportunity to make money that can sustain them, to empower them economically, albeit in a small way.
“Forming this kind of a group is something that was long overdue. Whenever we lose our people, community is no longer willing to give such services, and that is why this was necessary. Above all, we have gotten something that some youths can do instead of engaging themselves in illegal activities,” he said.
He said each member will receive Sh1,000 for any grave dug, and insisted that half of it will go to a benevolent scheme so that it will help them in future.
“They will of course receive only half of it and the remaining will go to a benevolent scheme for which they will withdraw for other purposes in future,” he added.
The move was welcomed by area residents terming it as ‘indispensable and long overdue’ since most of them have been hiring people to execute the duty whenever someone dies.