Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has announced that the county government will stop issuing lunch and tea allowances to the employees.
Speaking during a function on Saturday, October 7, the governor stated that he was also suspending all local and foreign trips for the county officials.
According to him, the county was unnecessarily spending money on the allowances instead of preparing for the expected El Nino rains.
Further, he noted that the funds will go towards a special El-Nino kitty and will be better used to prepare for the coming of EL Nino.
“We have to revise our budget and see some of the things we can eliminate like traveling allowances, lunch allowances and some departments can do away with tea.
Also Read: Met Department Issues Tips to Survive El Nino Rains
“That money should be put in the emergency kitty because i do not want a case where our road marshals went to help residents affected by El- Nino and they are stuck there without food or any resources, yet the leaders are drinking tea and mandazis,” Njuki stated.
Governor Njuki Lists Other Preparations for El- Nino
The governor also warned residence of areas prone to landslides asking them to relocate to safer grounds to avert any disaster.
Njuki launched the county road marshals program which will be tasked with rehabilitating the county’s roads. He challenged them to prepare for the expected heavy downpour.
So far, the road marshals’ program had recruited more than 1,000 residents from all 15 wards who will receive stipends for their work.
Measures taken by Nairobi to Prepare for El- Nino
Earlier, the chairman of the Nairobi County El Nino task force Bramuel Simiyu announced plans by the county government to purchase motorboats, rafts and inflatable boats to help in the disaster management during the El Nino rains within the month of October.
According to Simiyu, the county is well prepared to handle the El Nino threat adding that the county is well equipped with tools and manpower.
Further he noted that the county had identified alternative shelters for those living in riparian land susceptible to flooding including adding that they will be accommodated in schools, churches and social halls.
“It is part of what we are planning to procure in the next one week. Inflatable boats and at least some motorboats to be able to allow us to access flooded areas,” Simiyu stated.
Also Read: Sakaja Reacts to Nairobi County’s Plan to Purchase Motorboats For El Nino
