The Siaya County Governor, James Orengo, officially engaged the entire Bondo business community, PSV operators, landlords, and stakeholders in a discussion aimed at ensuring that the bus park serves its intended business purposes and meets the highest standards. The park, which has been under renovation for the past five months, is being improved in line with the 9-point Nyalore agenda to promote the trade sector in Siaya County.
The governor emphasized his intention to create a state-of-the-art bus park to cater to the fast-growing needs of Bondo town.
Governor Orengo highlighted the importance of having a standard bus park in a rapidly expanding town like Bondo. He noted that the park would not only enhance economic growth in Bondo town but also contribute significantly to the economic development of Siaya County. Additionally, business spaces have been allocated within the park for traders, creating opportunities for casual employment among residents. The bus park is also expected to assist in traffic management and enhance revenue collection for the county government.
The park, which is situated on land previously acquired by the Siaya County administration, had drawn interest from other landowners, sparking discussions on how structures around the park should be built. Governor Orengo stressed the need for uniformity in the design of buildings surrounding the park, stating, "We can’t have business houses around the park built differently, each with its own style. That won’t look smart." He also explained that the Bondo Municipality designed the layout of the business spaces, and these spaces would be rented out to potential business persons.
During the discussion, various reactions were expressed by the public, particularly PSV operators. Ultimately, the public agreed that the design of the business houses around the park would be handled by the town municipality under the county government. The meeting successfully reached an agreement that the County Government of Siaya must officially own the land to avoid future disputes.
The meeting was attended by key county officials, including CECM for Governance, Administration, and ICT CS Agunda Ochanda; CECM for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development Mr. Maurice Mc’Orege; Chief Officer for Governance, Administration and ICT Hon Walter Okelo; his counterpart for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development Mr. Joseph Omondi; Bondo Municipal Manager Mr. Philip Mbindyo; Director of Public Communications Mr. Chrispine Omondi; and other county officials.
In his closing remarks, Governor Orengo urged park users to take responsibility for maintaining the facility, noting that the park is expected to serve the community for many years. He also outlined his plans for Bondo town, which include the development of a modern market, the purchase and establishment of a parking lot for heavy commercial vehicles, and the upgrading of the road from the police station to Equity Bank into a dual carriageway.