Sany which has gained popularity for bringing down top buildings in Nairobi is now preparing a date with Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s back yard.
People who have encroached on road reserves and sewer lines have been put on notice as Kisumu gears up for a major facelift.
The initiative by Kisumu City Board is meant to reorganise Kisumu’s lake fronts in a bid to boost its tourism potential and revive Lake Victoria’s blue economy, which is in line with the objectives of the national government.
To kick-start the process, board manager Doris Ombara said they have set aside Sh250 million to improve the rundown drainage system and embark on a beautification project of the Central Business District (CBD).
“The money has been provided by the World Bank after negotiations led by Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o,” said Mrs Ombara.
She said the resources would be used for modernisation of Kenyatta Avenue, Oginga Odinga and Ang’awa streets.
The initiative, dubbed “CBD Triangle”, is expected to kick off any time. This is after the board picked a successful contractor to work on the multimillion shilling project on Friday.
“The works will begin from the Kisumu Boys roundabout to Kenya Commercial Bank roundabout then stretch to Obote Road next to Lwang’ni Beach and the whole of Ang’awa Street which links Oginga Odinga Street and Kenyatta Avenue,” she said.
Some of the works to be done in the city drainage master plan are replacement of broken slabs, construction of pedestrian walks, installation of road furniture and toilets, noted Mrs Ombara.
She said completion of the project is expected to upgrade the town’s drainage, which was done in 1950s when the population was estimated to be under 50,000.