Community Struggles After Severe Flooding in Garissa
Residents of Garissa town and surrounding areas are grappling with the aftermath of a prolonged downpour that has left many parts of the town submerged. The heavy rain, which began around 4 am on Sunday, lasted for several hours and caused widespread flooding. This event has significantly disrupted daily life, with floodwaters sweeping through homes, roads, and businesses.
The impact of the downpour was immediate and severe. Major streets were rendered impassable, bringing most parts of the town to a standstill. A spot check of residential areas, particularly on the outskirts of the town and in the Garissa market, revealed residents wading through floodwaters. Many tried to salvage what they could, but the lack of proper drainage systems and inadequate water outlets made it difficult to manage the situation.
Personal Stories of Loss and Frustration
Diana Achieng’, a resident of Iftin, shared her harrowing experience. She was woken up by the waters that had already entered her home. “My house is completely submerged in floodwaters. I am here standing with my three young children, not knowing what to do or where to go. I am suffering from a problem that is not of my own making,” she said. Her words reflect the frustration and despair felt by many in the community.
Josephine Mbandi, who lost many of her household items, called for urgent action from the national and county governments. “We are where we are because the contractors working on this particular road failed to provide adequate drainage channels, resulting in stagnant water and frequent flooding whenever it rains,” she said. Mbandi questioned whether the authorities would address the issue now that the rainy season is upon them.
Calls for Accountability and Action
Residents have accused the national and county governments of not taking the matter seriously, despite the recurring nature of the problem. They believe a permanent solution should have been implemented long ago. Rashid Aden criticized the Kenya Urban Roads Authority for failing in its mandate, which he claims led to the current losses.
“I want to single out Kura for blame because all along, we know whenever such a project is done, they must be there to ensure that the standards are maintained. They give out contracts, but no one follows up to see if the work is done properly. If they were serious, we wouldn’t be in this mess every rainy season,” he said. Aden added that no one will compensate those affected.
Ali Ismail, a businessman at the Garissa market, highlighted the town’s vulnerability to flooding. “This downpour has once again exposed our town’s vulnerability to flooding—a recurring problem that residents say has been ignored for far too long. Every rainy season we must be affected,” he said. Ismail emphasized the need for the authorities to take their responsibilities seriously, as residents pay taxes and deserve better services.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Concerns
The flooding has brought to light the long-standing issues of poor infrastructure and lack of accountability. Residents are concerned about what the future holds, especially with the rainy season expected to continue. They hope for swift and effective measures to prevent further damage and protect their homes and livelihoods.
As the community continues to recover, the need for comprehensive solutions becomes increasingly urgent. The voices of those affected serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing these challenges head-on and ensuring that the needs of the people are prioritized.