Wrangling jolts joint survey on Migingo Island

Business

By Kepher Otieno

Joint surveyors on the disputed Migingo Island differed again on technicalities, plunging the exercise into crisis.

Ugandan surveyors demanded to compile a report on the work done so far, before completing the exercise.

But Kenyan surveyors shot down the proposal, forcing the Ugandans to retreat to their country for further consultations.

Kenya’s Principal Surveyor in Charge of field operations Julius Rotich questioned the rationale of compiling data of unfinished work.

"We still have two more weeks to conclude the exercise and somebody is asking us to compile the report. For what? We asked them and they went mute," he told The Standard on Sunday.

He added: "How can they ask us to compile a report to present to their country yet work has not ended. It beats logic," he said.

Consult Government

He spoke as The Standard learnt the Ugandan surveyors had trooped back to Kampala for further consultations with their Government.

A source said the team would meet their Land’s Permanent Secretary today to update him on work done and technicalities experienced.

And Kenyan fishermen wonder if the exercise bound to cost the two governments Sh140 million will be completed on time.

Migingo Beach Management Unit chairman Juma Ombori asked the two sides to set aside their differences and handle the exercise amicably.

"We are asking the surveyors to take the exercise seriously and stop blame games. We are keen on the results, unless something fishy is cooking again," Mr Ombori said.

Last week, the exercise stalled after the two sides disagreed over the mode of erecting new boundary pillars. Trouble began after Ugandan surveyors demanded that the pillars be marked before analysing scientific data collected from the lake.

Use data

A source said the demand angered the Kenyan surveyors, who rejected the move, insisting that they be guided by the composed scientific data.

The Kenyans questioned the motive of spending weeks collecting scientific data from the lake, only to overlook the results at a time when it was extremely useful.

The island dispute has raged for months now, straining relations between the two East African counties.

Business
Premium Financial hardships dampen Easter celebrations among Kenyans
Business
Premium Water PS Korir put on the spot over Sh14m dam land
Business
Premium Looming crisis as top lenders stare at Sh500b in bad loans
Business
Premium Ruto's food security hopes facing storm amid fake fertiliser scam