IDPs to get houses in two months

By Dedan Okanga

Special Programmes Minister Esther Murugi censured the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for delays in the construction of houses for IDPs.

Speaking in Burnt Forest yesterday where she toured the Rukuini IDP camp, the minister also cited poor workmanship in some of the few houses already constructed.

Murugi, who was on her maiden tour of the region under her new docket, vowed to come up with alternative programmes to do the work in two months.

"Did you consider the heights of occupants since most of the houses look rather small," posed Murugi.

Special Programmes Minister Esther Murugi at the Rukuini IDP camp in Burnt Forest. The minister said resettlement of those displaced by post-election chaos would be completed in October. [PHOTO:KEVIN TUNOI/STANDARD]

She said President Kibaki had directed her to ensure all displaced persons get decent housing soonest possible.

"When I was given this job I was told to ensure that nobody lives in a tent and we shall work hard to ensure that the displaced will get houses in two months," said the minister.

Murugi suggested that communities adopt the traditional way of gathering to put up houses for the displaced. Special Programmes PS Andrew Mondoh who accompanied the minister said plans were on course to subcontract the housing programme to more parties to speed up the process.

Call to subcontract

Others who accompanied the minister were Vice Chairman of the National Humanitarian Advisory Board Moses Akaranga, Eastern Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Wanyama Musyambo, and Wareng DC Alex ole Nkoyo.

IOM representatives at the function, however, insisted that they would overcome the logistical hitches and finish putting up the houses in a month. The Government team toured several other IDP camps in the region.