As the country braces itself for the onset of the El Nino rains, there is heightened activity in Narok town aimed at forestalling losses from the deluge.
A waterway is being expanded as labourers busy themselves erecting a check-dam at Olopito. But residents are apprehensive of the exercise, with several saying the activities may not forestall deaths and loss of property.
James Monga, 30, who has been conducting his business under an umbrella shade since flashfloods swept away his shop in April, laughed off the exercise. He says he does not want to imagine what the deluge will be like given that he lost his Sh2.3 million investment in flashfloods.
“I shudder at the thought of an El Nino that has been described as the worst in recent years. I was picking up the pieces and unfortunately, I know I will be driven out of business for the duration of the rains,” said Monga.
John Kuyiha, who lost a building to the flashfloods, said the rains would deal a major blow to traders who had begun restocking their businesses.
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“After the floods, most traders restocked their premises. It is unfortunate that they are being told to move out yet they are not being told where to,” said Kuyiha.
Lucy Wairimu took a loan to re-establish her studios but now fears she might not repay the loan.
“I will be forced to close shop. Business will greatly be affected as most people will keep off the town’s CBD,” said Wairimu.
Questions have been raised on the whereabouts of a Chinese firm awarded the Sh577 million contract to repair the drainage system that causes frequent flooding in the town.
Narok North MP Moitalel Ole Kenta wants the government to account for the funds that were set aside during the 2014/15 financial year.
“Five months down the line, nothing has happened. It is totally hypocritical of the county government to pretend to be attempting to seek solutions,” said Kenta.
Narok Central Business District Chairman David Sankok dismisses the county government's assertion’s that it is prepared to handle El Nino.
“The town should be shut down until the rains subside. Humanitarian agencies should pitch tent for quick response should emergencies occur,” said Sankok.
The county government says it has set aside Sh200 million to complete five flood check dams and five water pans in the outskirts of Narok town as a way of mitigating floods.
Governor Samuel Tunai says the dams and water pans will hold back about 80 per cent of the flood waters.
State warning
“Work on reinforcing the huge trenches with concrete is ongoing. We have asked the National Government to deploy the National Youth Service in the town to assist in these efforts,”said Tunai.
Touring the town last week, Deputy President William Ruto challenged residents to take the warning seriously so as to avert loss of life and property. Ruto, who was accompanied by Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, and National Water Board chairman Julius Kones, said 1,000 service men would be sent to Narok.
