County begins distributing foodstuff to Suba North, Karachuonyo flood victims

Homa Bay Agriculture CEC Aguko Juma (right) distributes maize, beans and rice to vulnerable residents of Kamato Village in Suba North Constituency on May 21, 2020. [James Omoro, Standard]

Homa Bay county government has started distributing food supplies to families affected by floods and Covid-19 restrictions in Suba North and Karachuonyo constituencies. 

More than 2000 families have been displaced by floods due to the increasing water levels of Lake Victoria and heavy rains pounding the county.

Kamato, Simbi, Osika, Kendu which are among the most affected areas benefitted with maize, beans and rice.

The distribution exercise was led by Agriculture CEC Aguko Juma accompanied by Director of Disaster Management Eliud Onyango and Lambwe MCA Paul Adika.

Speaking at Kamato Primary School in Suba North constituency, Juma said they resolved to distribute the foodstuff to cushion those affected families by floods and restrictions for preventing Covid-19.

“There are many families who are unable to operate normally due to the government’s restrictions against Covid-19. That is why the county government decided to intervene with these resources to alleviate the suffering,” Juma said.

Report at our offices

Aguko urged residents affected by floods to report to the county department of disaster management so that arrangements can be made to help them.

“Giving example with Kamato, our records indicated less than 500 families, but we have found a bigger number. The county government is committed to assisting everybody who is affected by the problems,” Juma said.

Adika appealed to well-wishers to intervene with more humanitarian donations to help people who are affected.

“This relief food is a good intervention hence I appeal to well-wishers to intervene with more humanitarian aid,” Adika said.

Onyango said his office still continues to take records of people affected by floods due to the ongoing rains in the county.

“Let affected residents co-operate with our officers by giving their details to avoid confusion during relief aid distribution,” said Onyango.

Beneficiaries expressed optimism that the relief will reduce their suffering.

“I had nothing to eat in my house but I am happy that I am going to eat today,” said Leonida Achieng’, resident of Kamato village.