Journalists lead Relief Efforts in Flood-Hit Odiria
As the rains persist, pressure continues to mount on authorities to move beyond short-term relief efforts and invest in sustainable flood control measures that will safeguard communities in the long run. More than 300 families remain displaced in Odiria village - Teso South Constituency, currently taking refuge at Odiria Primary School after floods swept through their homes.
Local leaders are now pushing for the construction of dykes along key rivers in the area, arguing that such infrastructure would offer lasting protection against the recurring floods. Acting Amukura Assistant County Commissioner, Eric Ochieng Malaa, said the government is following up on plans to ensure the dyke construction project is implemented, noting that authorities are keen to prevent further destruction and displacement.
"As an office, before we had the floods, we had several mitigation factors, including barazas, and it has really helped us, we have a multisectoral team headed by the DCC and they are in constant meetings, they are making recommendations, but one of the recommendations we have is building dykes that can help put the floods permanently off". ~ ACC Erick Ochieng'
The call has been reinforced by Amukura West Ward Manager, Benedict Opala, who stressed the urgency of fast-tracking mitigation efforts. He warned that without decisive action, residents would continue to suffer repeated losses whenever heavy rains occur.
"The lasting solution for this flood is to build dykes along River Malakisi which has been a song for many years, we are appealing to the government to take this seriously as a remedy to this matter" ~ Benedit Opala ward Manager
Meanwhile, journalists from Busia County, led by their chairperson Checky Abuje, alongside other stakeholders, have appealed to the government and non-governmental organizations to provide urgent humanitarian support to the affected families The journalists also stepped in with immediate relief, distributing foodstuffs and other essential items to families camped at Odiria Primary School as they struggled to cope with the aftermath of the floods.
"As Busia County journalists, we are here just to stand with victims of floods in this area,we've been triggered to do this because we were here, and the situation was very dire, we've come together just to stand with this people , we call upon the county government and national government to do something" ~ Chairman Joseph Checky Abuje.
