By Betty Luke
A section of Isiolo residents have slammed local elected leaders for what they termed as failure to carry out oversight on the county government blaming it on the delayed completion of several projects in the county.
The residents blamed the Mohamed-Kuti-led government over unfulfilled promises saying the ongoing projects had taken too long to be completed denying them crucial services.
Speaking to the Press Point, the residents expressed fear that the Sh345 million state-of-the-art stadium whose construction started in May 2019, Sh545 million Isiolo town modern market, and the World Bank-funded export abattoir that was started 14 years ago might not be completed anytime soon.
So far, more than Sh1 billion has been pumped into the export abattoir that was recently considered for World Bank’s Sh800 million funding towards its equipping and upgrade to international standards.
Mr Ismael Golicha said the stalled stadium had led to continued indulgence into drug and substance abuse by the youth as they had nothing to do.
“The stadium was meant to offer us (youths) a platform to grow our talents but I doubt whether it will be completed soon,” he said.
Businesswoman Ms Miriam Nyawira said delayed completion of the modern market that will accommodate at least 1000 traders continued to cause suffering to traders in the town especially those at Kasarani, Baraza Park, Westgate markets and along the main roads where there is no remaining space.
“Had the market been completed, the congestion that continues to be experienced in town would ease,” she said.
Isiolo County Secretary Ahmed Galgalo assured that the ongoing projects will be completed by end of the year saying the county government was committed to promoting livestock business and local talents.
The County Assembly headquarters is among the projects whose construction is moving at a considerably good pace with the majority of the residents demanding that other contractors follow suit so that the delayed work is completed soonest possible.
“The contractor assigned the assembly should also be assigned the abattoir, stadium and the market. His work is commendable,” Ms Fatuma Ali posted on a Whatsapp group.
