Kisumu: Farmers at the Masune irrigation scheme in Awasi/Onjiko ward, Kisumu County are calling on the county government to finalize the stalled Sh3.5 million irrigation project. The project is crucial for supplying water to hundreds of acres of rice fields.
According to Kenya News Agency, the farmers have expressed frustration over the prolonged lack of water required for rice cultivation. Their livelihoods are in jeopardy as they risk losing their rice crops, currently at the flowering stage. The irrigation scheme spans approximately 368 acres across the Awasi/Onjiko and East Kano Wawidhi wards.
The farmers claim that although funds were allocated for the project, water has not reached their farms for the past six months, and the contractor has been absent. They are appealing to the County government, specifically the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, to intervene and expedite the project’s completion.
Michael Sep, one of the concerned farmers, stated that the project failed to deliver water as promised, leaving them without answers from the authorities. Sep emphasized that rice farming is their primary source of livelihood, essential for feeding their families and covering school fees. The lack of irrigation water poses an economic challenge to rice production.
Sep further commented, “This is not a request for charity. It is just a request for the county government to complete the stalled project. The money was allocated, and all that farmers want is water to their farms.”
Another farmer, Jacinta Atieno, expressed disappointment at the local leaders’ inaction despite repeated requests for assistance. She noted that politicians are absent when needed but make development promises during campaign periods. The current water shortage has led to a lack of income, resulting in children being sent home from school due to unpaid fees.
According to Beatrice Achieng Ouma, local women face the most significant challenges during this crisis as they struggle to feed their families. She remarked on the community’s initial high hopes for the irrigation project, warning that many families will incur substantial losses if it is not completed on time.
