Homa Bay residents to occupy affordable houses in March

The site of the affordable housing project in Homa Bay town. [James Omoro, Standard]

Homa Bay residents are expected to begin occupying 110 units of affordable houses from March next year.

The project is being undertaken by the national government in partnership with Homa Bay County government.

Speaking during an impromptu visit of the project, the Director of the Government Delivery Unit in Nyanza and Western regions Silvance Osele noted that the project was 76 per cent complete.

"The project was 54 per cent complete when we visited this site last time but today it is 76 per cent. This is an indication of good progress," Osele said.

However, he said heavy rains pounding the region may delay the completion of the houses.

Osele revealed that the project was expected to end in February next year but the rains may delay it for one or two months.

"The heavy rains are posing various challenges hence the project may be delayed for one or two months after February when it was supposed to be complete," he said.

He urged Nyanza residents to embrace projects implemented by the Kenya Kwanza government in the region saying they are aimed at improving livelihoods.

"The government means well for the people of Nyanza region. I urge them to cooperate with the government to ensure they benefit from State projects," Osele said.

Construction of the houses began on January 13 after a groundbreaking ceremony that was presided over by President William Ruto.

The project is expected to alleviate the housing shortage in the county.

"This project is going to be a game changer in this county because it will improve the living conditions of the people. Let residents own to enable them to benefit," Osele said.

Governor Gladys Wanga told residents to prepare to own the houses.

"We want our people to register so that they begin owning the houses," Wanga said.