Residents blame Chinese firm for flash floods
By David Musundi
More than 2000 residents of Namanjalala location in Kwanza constituency are up in arms with a Chinese construction company which they blame for worsening floods in the area.
The construction company, which is laying bitumen on the Lessos to Maili Kumi na Moja road, is on the receiving end for demolishing a flooding barrier along Sabwani river bridge region.
As a result of the flooding, some residents have been displaced while crops have been submerged in water at Sabwani, Maliki, Marinda, Kobos and Buyanzi villages following a heavy downpour.
“We want the Chinese construction company to be held liable for these floods since its personnel demolished the barrier which contained flooding around the area. They have to compensate us,” said Mr. John Wekesa.
The residents who are counting losses called for relief from the government to cushion them from the effects of homelessness and lack of food as a result of the disaster which has hit them hard.
“This is double tragedy for us since the government is telling us to stay home to contain the spread of the Corona virus yet our homes have been submerged with water,” said Mrs Alice Nasambu.
Area MCA Bernard Wanjala Mlipuko accused the management of the company of overlooking a directive by devolution cabinet secretary Eugene Wamalwa to restore the barriers following a meeting last year.
