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An aerial view shows flood waters near the Sigiri bridge, after River Nzoia burst its banks and due to heavy rainfall and the backflow from Lake Victoria, in Budalangi within Busia County, Kenya May 3, 2020. /Reuters
The administration of the Kenyan county of Busia thanked a Chinese company for its support during a difficult period for the county occasioned by heavy flooding and the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Sinohydro Corporation has been instrumental in aiding the county, located in western Kenya, to cope with disaster management in a number of areas, including infrastructure, transportation and access to clean water.
"I write this letter to express my own gratitude and that of the government and the people of Busia County for the enormous humanitarian support that you have extended and continue to extend to the county during the ongoing floods and corona pandemic," Busia County Governor Sospeter Ojaamong in a letter dated May 14.
"I note with particular gratitude that, at your own cost on our request, you repaired the damaged road leading to Port Victoria Water Supply that greatly eased access by our water bowsers and drastically cut the cost of transporting clean water to the persons affected by the floods," Governor Ojaamong added.
The governor noted that the company's support in vital areas helped to avert potential disasters with "monumental consequences”to the people of Budalang'i Sub-County. Budalang'i is an area that is notoriously prone to flooding particularly during the rainy season.
"Further, you helped to evacuate large population of persons that were marooned by the floods from the raging waters of River Nzoia and the rising waters of Lake Victoria. In addition, you supplied clean water and your staff at personal level, provided foodstuffs for the victims particularly women and children."
The governor said he hoped that both parties will continue to collaborate and cooperate during this period and in the future.
The evacuation of people from disaster areas is crucial in the fight against COVID-19 as authorities attempt to limit congestion of people which can lead to an exponential spread of the virus.
Kenya has been hit hard by heavy rains and floods with the government recently saying that 237 have been killed and 161,000 others displaced since the heavy rains began in April.
Source: Busia County Government
