Busia, UN-Habitat sign upgrading deal

Governor Paul Otuoma. [File, Standard]

Busia County Government and UN-Habitat have signed a deal for a five-year plan to upgrade the border town and address solid waste problem.

Speaking during the signing of the letter of intent at Busia County headquarters, Governor Paul Otuoma said the move would go a long way in addressing unemployment issues, security and boosting trade and infrastructure.

"We are privileged to host the UN-Habitat regional offices in our county. We have had discussions earlier and today we are signing a letter of intent on what areas of cooperation between Busia and our neighbours in Uganda on matters of solid waste, urban housing, planning and issues of creation of employment for the youth and to improve cross-border trade between Busia and East African countries," he said.

"We are aware that Busia became a one-stop border point and, in the process, a lot of young people lost their livelihoods because the business model changed and therefore it is important that we can address a model that is going to integrate the local community in the East African trade and this is what we are looking forward that Busia do not just become a gateway but we must be integrated in the East African trade."

The Governor said the reorganisation of the town is geared towards having dual carriage roads because Busia is a border county, yet it has dilapidated infrastructure and is congested, making it difficult for smooth operations of the transport and trade sectors.