Gesima residents have accused the national government of not involving them in some projects executed in the ward.
Speaking on Thursday in a funeral ceremony at Omoyo village, a number of residents raised concerns on alleged discrimination exhibited by the national government especially on road construction and other projects in the region.
According to them, contractors to a number of projects allegedly ignored both the safety and other legal requirements such as using the resources of the locals besides the government failing to compensate them on the land which has been used for projects.
“It is very sad that as locals, we don’t know what is going on. Our land is being used for road construction without any compensation. The law is very clear that we have to be paid before such projects commence,” said Julius Nyanchieo, a resident.
He added: “Ignoring us in mega projects such as water is very suicidal. It is very inhuman that boreholes can be dug without using local labour. When it comes to roads construction, people are ‘imported’ from other regions yet we can do the job.”
They said locals understand the topography of the land and that is why they really needed to be incorporated in such projects.
“When the local manpower is used, the process becomes efficient and easy. I therefore urge contractors through the national government to do something about our genuine grievances,” said John Okoyo, a resident.