Nation Team
1 May 2006
Nairobi — Ten MPs led by Mr Raila Odinga have defended the controversial Yala Swamp project saying it is a major gateway to prosperity for the people of the region.
The MPs told a British NGO, ActionAid, to keep off the irrigation project since the local people were comfortable with the activities of Dominion Farms Limited, an American firm. They also cautioned the media against what they termed as biased reports on the Sh2.5 billion project.
Mr Odinga told Dominion Farms president Calving Burgges that they will support him because he had "spent millions of shillings for the sake of our people."
He said: "We have come a long way with this project and ActionAid should keep off. Let the NGO start its project rather than spend money around criticising what other people are doing."
The firm's country director, Mr Graham Vetch, also attended the meeting.
Mr Burgges said: "Some said it could not be done but it has been done, they said we would not be here today, but here we are. This is a milestone as far as development of this country is concerned."
Mr Oburu Oginga (Bondo) and Mr Sammy Weya (Alego Usonga), in whose constituencies the project falls, joined Mr Odinga in condemning the NGO.
Other strong supporters of Dominion Farms were Mr Jakoyo Midiwo (Gem), Mr Eric Nyamunga (Nyando), Mr Patrick Ahenda (Kasipul Kabondo), Prof Ayiecho Olweny (Muhoroni), Archbishop Stephen Ondiek (Ugenya), Mr Philip Okundi (Rangwe) and Mr Ken Nyagudi (Kisumu Town West).
"ActionAid wants to scuttle this project, but we resist their machinations," Mr Odinga said.
Siaya district commissioner Wilson Litole attended the meeting during the commissioning of a weir expected raise the water levels of Yala River for a multi-million shilling dam.
Mr Litole said the Government will provide security for the dam and encouraged talks whenever there was a problem between the investor and the community.
Mr Odinga said the notion created by the NGO about the firm's activities was erroneous but added that if there were a few dissenting voices, the matter could be handled amicably.
He praised Dominion Farms, which had reclaimed more than 2,200 acres of land from a "worthless swamp."
"We know it is important to conserve the environment, but not as a virgin. If you want to become a grandfather, you must contend with the reality of your daughter losing her virginity," Mr Odinga said.
He told a large crowd that turned out to witness the commissioning of the weir that problems touching a few families should not stop a project of that magnitude.
"Any teething problems must be resolved but not through the noise being made by ActionAid," Mr Odinga said.
He recalled that the Sondu Miriu electricity project almost grounded following campaigns based on environmental issues raised by NGOs.
"As a country, we must welcome direct investment. That is why President Kibaki himself visited this place and supported the project," the Langata MP said.
He said saboteurs would not succeed in their mission to see the project fail. "Those few of us who are not satisfied with issues regarding compensation should deal with the matter locally," said Mr Odinga.
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