By Millicent Akinyi
The Department of Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development led by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Mr. Augustine Neto Adhola and Chief Officer Hon Joseph Mboha, held a stakeholder engagement meeting with the County Assembly Lands, Physical Planning, Surveying and Housing Committee to discuss the development of the Final Local Physical and Land Use Plan and chart a way forward for the approval of key planning documents currently pending before the County Assembly.
The meeting brought together representatives of the County Assembly Lands Committee, led by the Chairperson, Hon. James Obiero Otare, Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Siaya Township Ward, alongside community leaders and project partners to deliberate on the progress and implementation of the planning framework.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Kennedy Nyaseda, Kenya Informal Settlement Redevelopment Program (KISRP) Coordinator, emphasized that all development programmes must align with approved plans. He noted that community engagement remains a critical component of the planning process.
"The objectives of the plan include infrastructure development, working closely with the community, and planning and implementing key infrastructure projects. We must provide leadership, improve access roads in Awelo, and ensure that policies are developed early and presented to the community for participation and ownership," he said.
Hon. Obiero Otare called for the preparation of clear planning documents with minimal amendments, noting that the public has shown great interest and enthusiasm for the project.
Stakeholders agreed on the need to establish a clear roadmap for the approval of pending planning documents, including the Municipal Spatial Plan, Land Management Policy, and Valuation Roll. The County Assembly is awaiting the final versions of these documents for consideration and approval.
Maurice Ochieng, Director of Physical Planning, explained that the Siaya Municipal Spatial Plan will guide key developments within the municipality. He noted that once the plan is approved, issues affecting the school will be addressed accordingly.
He further revealed that a 1.9-kilometre road has been proposed to improve accessibility within the area. He emphasized that planning is futuristic and should accommodate future growth and development.
The Chairperson of the Residents Committee highlighted the importance of the committee, stating that it serves as a bridge between the government and the community and that its structures remain open and inclusive.
"We are here to represent both the community and the government. The Residents Committee plays a critical role in ensuring that community interests are incorporated into the planning and implementation process," he said.
The engagement concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to work together towards the successful completion and approval of the planning documents, paving the way for sustainable urban development and improved infrastructure in Awelo and the wider Siaya Municipality.
Also present were MCAs Hon. Andrew Omwende ( Sigomre Ward), Hon. Alice Odhiambo ( Nominated), Hon. Silas Madingu( Central Gem), Hon. Felix Okumu( West Alego), Hon. David Ragen ( Central Alego), Hon. John Apodo(Sidindi), and Hon. Truphosa Odinga( West Sakwa).