President Uhuru Kenyatta when he visited the site of the Sigiri Bridge. [Photo/PSCU]
Sigiri Bridge constructed by the national Government at a cost of Sh1 billion will be completed by mid-July, President Uhuru Kenyatta has assured Budalangi residents.
The President expressed satisfaction that the construction of the bridge over River Nzoia that had eluded other regimes for over five decades was done under his watch, saying its completion will prevent deaths and make it easier for people to access hospitals, schools and markets.
“This is a proof that we are honest and deliver on the promises we make. It affirms that we care for your welfare and you will not go wrong by giving us a second term unlike our opponents – who held senior positions in previous regimes but did nothing about this bridge,” President Kenyatta said.
President Kenyatta spoke as he kicked off campaigns for his re-election in Busia County at Port Victoria in Budalangi Constituency, the home turf of Jubilee affiliate Labour Party leader Ababu Namwamba.
The Head of State promised in 2014 that his Government would construct the bridge across River Nzoia at Sigiri – just a year after coming to office – when he attended the burial of 11 people, including school children who died when their boat capsized killing everyone on board.
He called on the residents of Busia County to differentiate between the opposition which is selling propaganda and his team which is focused on an agenda that will transform their lives.
Responding to the plight of the fisherfolk in Budalangi who were unable to repay loans from the Agricultural Finance Corporation, President Kenyatta assured them that the Government will write off the debts by Monday next week.
He asked the fisher folk to collect the title deeds they had deposited as security for the loans.
The President also spoke of reviving cotton farming where he his administration will improved seeds to improve production of the crop in the county.
“Once we revive all factories, the next step will be to revive cotton ginneries for the benefit of cotton farmers,” President Kenyatta said.
On infrastructure, President Kenyatta said his administration is work is already ongoing to improve three critical roads that will open the county for rapid development.
Outlining the Jubilee administration’s delivery track record in the Busia County in the last four years, President Kenyatta cited the connections of electricity to 50,000 households compared to only 14,000 done before 2013, increase in capitation fee for primary and secondary schools, relieving parents the burden of paying examination fee for form four and standard eight candidates.
On health, the President said achievements include the expansion and equipping of two hospitals to status of referrals in every county, the provision of free maternity and Nation Hospital Insurance medical cover for a year for mother and child upon delivery in public health facilities among a host of other transformational initiatives.