The elevation of Shanta Abaq division to a subcounty will bring services closer to the people, Lagdera MP Abdikadir Hussein has said.
Shanta Abaq and Sankuri divisions in Balambala subcounty, Garissa county, will become subcounties.
The official opening of the sub counties and rollout of all the administrative units will be conducted by Interior CS Kithure Kindiki before the end of the month.
Speaking in Shanta Abaq town on Saturday during a meet-the-people tour, the MP said that the residents cannot wait to see the subcounty finally at work.
Hussein inspected several ongoing projects that are being done by NG-CDF.
He was accompanied by local leaders among them MCAs Fakrudin Haji (Shanta Abaq), Issa Aden (Sabena), Hassan Dahir (Baraki) and Hajir Dahiye (Maalimin).
He said that most of the infrastructure including the offices and residence are ready.
“I want to appreciate the work that has already been done. Together with other leaders we will work round the clock to make sure that everything goes on smoothly,” he said.
The MP said for a long time residents have been forced to seek services 90km away in Modogashe town, and in some instances Garissa town that is 200km away, something that had inconvenienced them and proved expensive.
He said the sub-county will among other things bring more resources, noting that currently there was no single police post in the area. There will be an independent security apparatus within the subcounty.
Hussein, whose win was two weeks ago upheld by the Court of Appeal, thanked the Interior ministry for fast-tracking the exercise. He said elevation to subcounty means services will be brought closer to the people.
“Not having a subcounty here has greatly inconvenienced the residents. It has also been extremely expensive for them. As the area MP, I can't hide my joy and excitement. We look forward to this great day,” he said.
He added: “ All government services like the issuance of birth certificates and ID cards as well as recruitment will be done right here, giving an opportunity to the residents to participate and be picked. Above all we will have a deputy county commissioner stationed right here.”
He urged residents to join him in developing the constituency now that his election has been upheld.
Baraki ward MCA Hassan Dahir said it was regrettable that the entire subcounty only has one division, adding that the elevation will see them get additional administrative units.
"Bringing services closer to the people is key to President William Ruto's administration, and as leaders we not only welcome that but we will make sure that we support him in ensuring that this is realised,” he said.