Residents of South Bunyala Ward in Budalangi Constituency, Busia County, have expressed optimism that years of destructive flooding may finally be ending following the construction of a dyke that has significantly reduced floodwaters and allowed displaced families to begin returning to their homes.
For years, the area has been among the worst-hit by floods, with hundreds of families forced into displacement camps since 2020 after rising waters submerged homes, schools, businesses and farmlands.
The prolonged flooding left many residents without reliable sources of food and income, while disrupting education and economic activities across the region.
Qwinta Anyang’o, a resident of Namavusi village, said the dyke has transformed the situation, raising hopes that life can gradually return to normal.
She recalled the hardships families endured while living in displacement camps, where they were unable to cultivate crops, grow vegetables or access adequate food supplies.
“We suffered a lot in the camps because we could not farm or even grow vegetables to feed our families. The dyke has reduced the flooding, and we are hopeful that more people will return to their homes as the water continues to recede,” she said.
Topista Cheno said the flooding had crippled the local economy by forcing traders to shut down businesses.
She noted that the omena trade, retail shops, hotels and other small enterprises were severely affected after floodwaters engulfed the area, but many business owners are now beginning to reopen as conditions improve.
Parents also welcomed the project, saying it is expected to end years of disruption to children’s education.
They said schools were frequently closed whenever floods struck, forcing learners to transfer to other institutions for up to seven months at a time.
Residents further expressed optimism that the area’s fertile land can now be put back into productive use, enabling farmers to resume cultivation, improve food production and restore household incomes.
Despite the progress, community elders urged the government to complete the project by installing additional flood management infrastructure.
Joseph Oyango and Michael Sakhul said floodgates and improved drainage channels are necessary to safely discharge excess water during heavy rains.
They warned that without the remaining flood control measures, the area could still face flooding in future.
The residents thanked President William Ruto and the area Member of Parliament for supporting interventions aimed at resolving the long-standing flooding challenge.
They appealed to the government to complete the remaining drainage works to provide a permanent solution and enable all displaced families to return home safely.
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