The Isiolo county government has embarked on demolishing illegal structures on waterways to prevent floods.
Isiolo County Governor Dr. Mohammed Kuti said unscrupulous investors have constructed buildings along water paths which are now diverting flood waters into other people’s residences.
The governor said poor physical planning and the mushrooming of illegal structures are to blame for the floods that rocked the county following heavy downpour.
Speaking during a County Devolution Dialogue, Mr Kuti said the building owners have been ordered to demolish the buildings before the county government does it at their own cost.
He said the buildings that have been constructed along water paths are responsible for flooding which have led to loss of property and deaths.
“These people should voluntarily demolish the buildings before we move in and demolish them since we cannot condone actions that have led to loss of lives and destruction of property.”
“I have directed the County Secretary, the National Construction Authority (NCA) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to demolish the buildings and not to be deterred by threats by some owners to go to court,” said Dr. Kuti.
At least five people have been killed by floods and property worth thousands destroyed due to floods in the county.