There is an alarming rate of slums cropping up in most parts of Machakos County, says Joseph Obiero.

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Obiero, an urban planning and development expert attributes the situation to poor planning by the defiant county and municipal councils before devolution took effect in 2013.

He said towns like Athi River, Mlolongo, Kyumvi, Joska and even Machakos itself have got no planning.

“I wonder why the above towns among others were established the way they are, no planning at all,” said Obiero.

Obiero addressed the press in Mlolongo town on Saturday.

He said there are pubs, schools, health facilities, shops,schools and clubs in same buildings in Mlolongo town for instance.

“There are no differences between residential, commercial and public utilities services premises, children pass through pubs into their houses. This is upsurd,” said Obiero.

Obiero said Mlolongo residents had been suffering for decades now since they lack drainage and reliable water systems.

He said the situation had made most of the estates within the town filthy hence high chances of contracting diseases.

Two people died of Cholera at Kicheko Slum in Mlolongo town last November.

Obiero said the Machakos Government should engage experts to avert the situation.

He said it was not too late to re-plan the county especially major towns with dense populations in a bid of promoting their living standards.

“Filthy environments compromise residents’ health standards,” said Obiero.

CAPTION

A section of Sofia Slum in Athi River, Machakos County on Saturday January 6, 2018/ BY MAUGO OWITI