Residents of Balambala, Garissa County, protest neglect and lack of development
Residents of Balambala in Garissa County took to the streets today in protest, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the government's neglect and lack of development in their area.
Residents of Balambala in Garissa County expressed their deep dissatisfaction with government neglect and lack of development, taking to the streets in protest. Organized by political activists in Balambala Town, the rally accused both local and national political leaders, as well as the County Government, of neglect.
Somane Mohamud, one resident, highlighted the dire situation, stating, "Our roads are in shambles due to the rains, making travel challenging. Basic necessities like food are scarce in neighboring areas, and our hospitals suffer from a severe lack of essential medications. We've been without electricity for two months now. It's disheartening to see the government turn a blind eye to our plight."
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Ahmed Dukhow from Bura Dansa echoed these sentiments, emphasising, "The neglect we face is appalling. Our infrastructure is crumbling, and the lack of essential services is affecting our daily lives. We feel forgotten and abandoned by those elected to represent us."
A concerned resident, Aisha Ali, emphasised, "We've been raising these issues for far too long, yet no action has been taken. The absence of basic necessities and vital services paints a grim picture of neglect. We need urgent attention from our leaders to address these pressing challenges."
Somane Mohamud further decried, "The neglected roads are completely damaged by rains, some of the adjacent centers are facing a food crisis; our hospitals have no drugs. For the past two months, we are in electricity blackout despite the sub county connection to the national grid. Where is the government and the elected leaders?"
Adding to the concerns, Ahmed Dughow, lamented the loss of livestock in the raging floods of River Tana and the extreme mosquito bites as a result. He stated, "We have no mosquito nets, and malaria is staring at us. The roads are in pathetic condition."
The residents appealed to the area MP, Hon Abdi Omar Shurie, to commit the CDF kitty to partly alleviate some of their sufferings. They also called on Garissa Governor Nadhif Jama, Women Rep Udgon Siyat, and President William Ruto for intervention. The combined voices of the residents echo a plea for immediate attention to address the pressing challenges in Balambala.
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