By AGWANDA SAYE: The second Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP II) National Project Coordination Team (NPCT) Coordinator George Arwa, has challenged contractors to intensify works and improve site mobilization to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality infrastructure projects across Kisumu’s informal settlements.

Eng Arwa led a joint inspection tour comprising NPCT members, the County Project Coordination Team (CPCT), consultants, contractors, and local community leaders to assess the progress of Lot 1 and Lot 2 projects across Bandani, Nyawita, Migosi, Manyatta A, Manyatta B, and Kibuye.

The inspection established that most road projects are substantially complete, with only a few specific sections remaining.

In Bandani, the contractor committed to completing the Auji-Pundo and Pundo-NITA roads on schedule, while the Pamjos-Kamyamedha Road is currently being redone following the identification of structural defects.

Tarmacking of roads

CPCT Coordinator Patrick Ogunde welcomed the approval for the tarmacking of the Kanyamedha-Toyota Kenya Road, noting that it will link the Bandani settlement to the busy Kondele-Busia Bypass, significantly improving connectivity in the area.

In Nyawita, the contractor was directed to complete the remaining section of the Koyoo-Koyuga Road and finalize walkway installations ahead of the official handover.

Meanwhile, in Migosi, where 1.8 kilometers of the planned four kilometer independent drainage system has been completed, the contractor was urged to accelerate the remaining works, including sewer connectivity and the installation of high-mast floodlights.

The drainage infrastructure is already bringing tangible relief to Migosi residents by mitigating flash floods, improving accessibility during rainy seasons, protecting homes and businesses, and enhancing public health.

The delegation, however, cautioned the community against discharging raw sewage into the new stormwater drainage channels, warning that the practice blocks waterways, accelerates infrastructure damage, and poses serious public health risks.

In Manyatta A, road upgrades are nearing completion with only structural drainage and walkway cabro paving works remaining.

In Manyatta B, over 250 households are projected to benefit from incoming last-mile water and sewer connectivity. The contractor there was further directed to rectify defects on the Kaombe-Kasawino Road and expedite all pending works.

The joint team closed the tour by calling upon residents to actively safeguard the completed infrastructure, citing the encroachment of roads and drainage corridors in Kibuye as a growing concern.

Mr Ogunde pledged that the county team would enhance public sensitization campaigns and enforcement measures to protect the investments.

The overarching message from the high-level inspection was clear, uncompromised quality, timely completion, and community ownership remain key to realizing the full benefits of KISIP investments across Kisumu.