Busia
By Celine Wamala
Funyula MP Wilberforce Mudenyo is in trouble after opposing the proposed construction of Nangina Airstrip.
Residents of Nangina ward are now outraged against the lawmaker for opposing development in the area.
Mr. Mudenyo recently said that the planned construction of the airstrip by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) for not a priority to the locals.
“We have given the MP 24 hours to apologise over his reckless statements. He is not development conscious and if he will not heed to our demands, we shall take the next cause of action, “said Nangina MCA John Obwogo.
Mr. Obwogo faulted the legislator for opposing the project since its national government funded and that he (Mudenyo) has no right to interfere with development. Mudenyo is anti-development as evidenced by his poor track record,”
Steve Ogale, an elder, said that politicians should keep off the initiative since it was going to boost the area economy and create employment for youths across the county.
“We have received information of nine people claiming that they own the land where the 20-acre Busia Airstrip is located. We want to tell them that is government land and we have its title deed,” said Ms. SelinaGor – the Kisumu International Airport and Western Region Airports Regional Manager
Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, James Macharia (Transport) and Peter Munya (Agriculture) were set to tour the airstrip this week on Tuesday but their trip was cancelled by President Uhuru Kenyatta
The airstrip was supposed to be constructed at Tangakona but Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong said the move was abandoned after unscrupulous grabbed the land for the airstrip.
However, KAA through Selina Gor, the Kisumu International Airport and Western Region Airports Regional Manager, has maintained that the land belongs to the government.
“We have received information of nine people claiming that they own the land where the 20-acre Busia Airstrip is located. We want to tell them that is government land and we have its title deed,” said Ms.Gor
Ms. Gor said that a big chunk of the airstrip land had been encroached and that they were working with the National Lands Commission (NLC) to reclaim the land that has been illegally taken away in order to develop the airstrip to international standards.
The Kakamega Airstrip is being rehabilitated at a cost of Sh174.7million while Kitale airstrip is being rehabilitated at a cost of Sh220million.
Ends