The national assembly committee on housing, urban planning and public works has expressed concern over the slow pace of the affordable housing project implementation in Siaya.

The committee at the same time censured a contractor tasked with constructing the Siaya modern market of abandoning the site despite being paid by the government.

The parliamentary committee, led by its vice chair, Mugambi Murwithania Rindikiri lamented that the ESP market contractor has not given any reasons for leaving the site, saying that as a committee, they will take up the matter with the relevant authorities to have the situation addressed.

Speaking in Siaya town after inspecting both the market and the on-going affordable Housing Project, Rindikiri who was flanked by members of the committee, Siaya deputy county commissioner, Robert Ng’etich and the director of housing and urban development, Jared Buoga Omondi, challenged the contractors to hasten the pace and ensure that the projects are completed within the next eight months.

“One of the things we have noted is the slowness of the contractors” he said adding “the government position under his excellency the president is that all these projects will be completed in good time”.

Rindikiri who is also the Buuri MP told contractors to adhere to the terms of their contracts which, he said, were clear on works plans and payment schedule.

Early this month, Siaya market traders took to the streets to protest the abandoned construction of the market.

The traders and residents appealed to president William Ruto and area governor, James Orengo to intervene and have the contractor back to the site or appoint another to complete the construction.

They lamented that lack of space at the current market has forced most of them to operate along road reserves and sewer lines hence endangering their lives.

by Philip Onyango