By Reuben Olita
Busia Deputy Governor H.E Arthur Odera has vowed to ensure the alleged grabbed land by private developers belonging to Malaba Dispensary reverts to the health institution.
Addressing the press after making the tour of the facility on Monday afternoon after presiding over the inauguration of Malaba Municipality Board members, the Deputy Governor said, the alleged grabbed land will revert to the institution.
“We can’t allow land meant for expansion of the Dispensary to earn it elevation by virtue of being in town to go into wrong hands. The health institution needs big land and space to accommodate many facilities that are missing,” Odera, who is also the County Executive Committee Member for health and sanitation services said.
Flanked by Deputy Speaker and Malaba Central Member of the County Assembly Hon Ronald Ochalu, the DG said he will work with the MCA to ensure the alleged grabbed is repossessed.
H.E Odera said he had been briefed by the in charge of the facility on acute staff shortage, especially doctors and equipment, giving and assurance that the Dr Paul Otuoma,s administration will endeavour to address those inherent challenges.
On recent strikes by casual staff of Kocholia, Alupe, and Khunyangu sub county hospitals, Odera blamed it on witch-hunt by some perpetrators who wanted to paint the image of the county government.
” We had renewed their contracts by one month, but they opted to down their tools because of such witch-hunt. We are in constant talks with unions to ensure amicable solution to issues,”he said.
Hon Ochalu thanked the DG for addressing the issue of the alleged grabbed land and pledging to revert it to the health institution, noting that those who did so had bad intentions.
He also thanked the deputy governor for the assurance that the department had set aside funds to fence the facility, adding that the move would keep land grabbers at bay.
“The DG’s pledge to increase the number of staff at the facility especially doctors will improve service delivery,” Hon Ochalu said.
