Construction of the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project and rehabilitation of River Nzoia dykes are taking shape with rice farmers in Bunyala set to reap big from enlarged acreage under irrigation. Busia County Government has seconded engineers to help the contractor Sino Hydro Corporation from China in the construction works of the Sh10 billion project. The Chinese firm has been given the tender for the project. The works are to be completed in three to four years.
A new scheme — Sisenye Irrigation — will be established once the project is completed. Only one scheme exists in Busia — the Bunyala Irrigation Scheme. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs, especially for the youth. It will also improve the county’s food security. The new dykes will help control perennial floods. Busia County, especially Budalang’i Sub County, frequently experiences flooding. The annual disaster occurs when swollen River Nzoia rapidly bursts its banks during downpours, submerging dykes or due to Lake Victoria backflow. Lives are usually lost and property is destroyed. There will be enough flood mitigation and control mechanisms in the area after the completion of the project.
