BRIDGE AND ROAD TO SOMEWHERE.... IN MBITA!

Yes, the season of silly politics is upon us again... Mbita constituency voters!!. The voters will receive FREE education, health care, water and road projects. The key word in these promises is always FREE. But be careful, none of these projects are free, which is the reason why the promises are never fulfilled once the elections are over. I am here offering candidates running for the Mbita constituency two issues to run on this time that will cost: money, creativity and commitment to deliver to the constituency. The opening of the Mbita Point waterway and constructing/upgrading the 45 mile road between Mbita and Homabay. The opening of Mbita Point waterway will benefit the region both in terms of both commerce and the environment. The construction of a drawbridge or overpass at the point will provide a shortcut for both passenger and fishing boats in the lake region area. The same overpass will also allow the water to flow between the point channel and could improve fish migration. It is evident that since the channel was permanently closed, the lack of aeration in the lake water between Mbita and Uyoma is affecting this side of the lake. An overpass or draw bridge will not affect traffic between Rusinga Island and the Mbita mainland, but will improve overall water traffic in the greater low land lake region areas. It is rare to find a country anywhere in the world that would block a natural waterway as Kenya has done at Mbita point. Even Tom Mboya the great hero of this region never dared to closed the point..instead he brought the ferry to replace the "Dingi" for those who care to know the history of the Mbita channel. Countries like the Netherlands have immensely improved water transportation by building overpasses and drawbridges in major cities like Amsterdam. In the US you will find the likes of the Golden Gate and Mackinac Bridge that allow the ships and boats to pass underneath while automobiles pass along the top. The same bridge systems can be used at Mbita Point to serve pedestrians, vehicle traffic, boats and livestock traffic.

It is very difficult to consider Mbita-Homabay route as a road when it is more accurately described as a "death trap" by those who use it on a regular basis. How do politicians who have represented this area for years get back to this area to meet with the voters? Do they drive on this road, or do they fly instead? I urge the voters to demand answers from candidates as to why this road has not been improved?. Opening Mbita Point and improving Mbita-Homabay road is a primary key to economic development for this constituency. It does not make sense for a 45 mile trip between Mbita and Homabay to take half a day or more because of the poor road conditions.

The next Mbita representative should be able to think "outside the box" to get both the point open and improve Mbita- Homabay road. If the

Central government cannot allocate funds for these projects, then the representative and the voters in this constituency should start harambees to raise the funds.. Why not? There are many foundations worldwide who are willing to provide matching grant funds for public projects like roadways and bridges. With creativity and commitment to these projects, the next Mbita representative can help deliver these noble projects to the constituency. It is up to the voters in Mbita to tell their representative the projects they want accomplished in the next five years rather than allow the candidates to deliver empty promises rather than debating who is Luo or Suba in Mbita constituency!!!.

Dan M.Orao
Grand Rapids, Michigan USA