The Makueni County Governmentโs development tour of Kikumbulyu South Ward concluded with a public baraza at Siembeni, providing residents with an opportunity to raise concerns and present their development priorities to Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.
The forum brought together the governor and residents, who highlighted a range of issues affecting the ward, including insecurity, land matters and access to water.
On water access, residents called for the expansion of the water pipeline network to reach more households. In response, the governor said the county government would add water tanks and water points to improve access and ensure more residents can obtain the commodity.
Boda boda riders also raised concerns over hire-purchase arrangements offered by some companies, saying some riders had lost their motorcycles after struggling to meet the terms of the agreements.
Mutula said he would convene a meeting bringing together the relevant stakeholders to address the concerns and seek solutions to the challenges facing riders.
The governor also said the county government would identify land for the establishment of a market in the area, which he said would provide residents with a designated space for trade.
On agriculture, Mutula said the county had secured sufficient markets for Makueni mangoes as the mango season gets underway, providing farmers with outlets for their produce.
Residents also raised concerns over the elephant menace in the area. Mutula said he would engage the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to push for measures to control the problem and protect communities and farms affected by human-wildlife conflict.
The governor was accompanied by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, members of the County Executive Committee, several Members of the County Assembly led by area MCA Jades Kalunda, and other local leaders.
