Residents irked by governor’s proposal to erect hospital wall
Wajir County Government is on the spot for sanctioning the construction of a multi-million shilling perimeter wall around the referral hospital amid the souring effects of famine in the region.
The move has sparked outrage among residents and leaders who accuse Governor Ahmed Abdullahi of misplaced priorities.
Abdullahi’s administration had put up an advertisement calling for bidders to apply for the open tender.
Led by Omar M Sheikh, a member of the Wajir Leaders Forum, the leaders said the county should shelve the idea of the perimeter wall, which is to be built around the Wajir County Referral Hospital.
He said the advert invites tenders for consultancy services for the proposed upgrading of the hospital to Level 5, and installation of an off-grid solar backup system at the county headquarters.
According to him, Abdullahi’s government also plans to spend the money on repair works and improve the lighting system of street lights. “We can’t afford to keep mum at this time given the region is among those badly affected by famine. This is because of a lack of planning from the leadership,” Omar said, adding: “At a time of famine and drought that is ravaging all parts of the county we are appalled to learn that the governor and his team have now advertised tenders amounting to nearly Sh900 million for development.” They condemned the plans and urged the county to cancel the tenders and reallocate the funds to the famine relief kitty.
“Our people are dying of famine and drought that need immediate support and attention from the local administration,” they said in a statement.
Leaders also thanked the National government, international governments, agencies as well as many Kenyans who sacrificed and made donations.
About 4.3 million drought-affected Kenyans are from 23 ASAL counties out of an estimated 6.4 million people projected to require humanitarian assistance across the country.
A National Steering Committee on Drought Response has been established and will, among other things, mobilise resources to augment the government’s drought response programme.
A pay bill number has been established for Kenyans to donate funds to the team towards drought response.
