Residents of three villages in Kabondo West, Kabondo Kasipul, have petitioned the government to connect them to water and electricity.
The more than 500 households from Kamwagi, Kolal and Karateng villages have been experiencing water shortage for many years.
They also want a sublocation created to bring national government services closer to them.
Peter Keya, Selina Juma, Pamela Adhiambo and Lawrence Ouma Seda took their petition to John Odek who hails from the area and was appointed to the board at Kenya Utalii College.
“Let the Ministry of Interior and Coordination get a sublocation close to us so we can access services with ease. Many elderly people have a lot of difficulties in travelling to Ramula to get services,” Keya said.
Juma, 82, and Adhiambo, who has a disability, said they have been suffering because of perennial water shortage in the area.
“Life has become difficult because we don’t have water. River Awach is seasonal and undependable,” Juma said.
Adhiambo said, “Disabled and elderly people get it rough during dry seasons. We’re appealing to the government to come to our aid as fast as possible.”
Seda said lack of electricity is interfering with business operations and learning in the area. The three villagers were disconnected after more than six poles collapsed more than three months ago.
Affected facilities include Kowuor dispensary, Kowuor market and Masogo, Kola and Suna primary schools. Owiro Secondary School is also in darkness.
“Let the government restore the power to enable us to undertake our normal business operations,” Seda said.
Odek said he will present their grievances to relevant authorities.
“Creation of a sublocation will save people from trekking long distances to access services at Ramula. Residents have donated a land to set up an office for the assistant chief,” Odek said
Creation of such administrative boundaries will also offer employment opportunities for them, they said.
“Let the rural electrification project agenda continue so that villagers are connected,” he added.
Odek proposed drilling of boreholes to supply water to homes.
The Oyugis Water Supply Project, which is being funded by the government in partnership with the African Development Bank was supposed to connect the villages.
More than 120,000 households were to get water should the project be implemented fully and expanded.
“Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency and Lake Basin Development Authority can dig boreholes to enable residents to access water faster,” Odek said.