A section of cracked road in Laisamis in Marsabit. Business in the area was disrupted after lorry ferrying goods plunged into Lake Turkana. Photo: KENHA.
Residents of Boru Haro village in Saku Constituency Marsabit County have decried the current situation of poor state of roads that has disrupted transport and flow of essential commodities in the area.
According to the area chief Dirib Gombo Location Katelo Galgallo, the construction of roads in the area has not only disrupted transport, and business, but also the health sector, as it has become difficult for movement of both people and goods from and to Marsabit.
Galgallo has called on the Ministry of Roads and Public Works, to complete the roads, so as to help the area and flow of goods.
“This location is very big, many roads are impassible, it is even worse after it has rained, we do not have roads. We want these roads to be constructed, for now it is very difficult to reach Marsabit town, Mothers going to deliver in nearby health facilities and those requiring emergency services is a nightmare. For now it is a struggle for commodities as there is shortage in supply. We want the national government to take up the issue,” Galgalo remarked.
The shortage of essential commodities was caused after a lorry ferrying sugar, cooking oil and other essential commodities plunged into Lake Turkana, due to poor state of the road.
Additionally, Galgalo commended the government’s effort to give Kenyans National Identification Cards (IDs) for free, and further lifting the vetting of residents during the application process. He however urged the government to increase the number of officers in the exercise across the county, due to the vast nature of the region.
“We really appreciate the government as currently as a county we are smoothy receiving IDs. But owing to the vast nature and lifestyle of our people, we urge the government to increase the number of officers of registering people for IDs, so as residents do not move for long distances in search of the registration,” he pleaded.
Galgalo called further called on government through the ministry of health to do intensive awareness on Social Health Authority (SHA), among the residents about the importance registering with SHA.
“Our people still do not understand how SHA works, and its importance while accessing healthcare services. The ministry should carry out awareness across the county to ensure massive enrollment of the residents,” Galgalo added.
Health officer Thomas Ngangi, had also urged residents to register with SHA, as it is effectively working in Marsabit, and will relieve them on the burden of medical bills.
About the Author
