[Kisii governor James Ongwae in a past event. He has reassured residents that he will proceed with a sugar plant project as promised. Photo/Hivisasa.com]
Kisii County Governor James Ongwae yesterday apologized to South Mugirango residents over the delay in the completion of the sh 2.5 billion sugar factory project.
Speaking at the funeral of Kanu aspirant Ezekiel Okengo, the governor said the project had been delayed by the senate which had not yet approved the project.
"We are still awaiting the Senate's approval for the project. Other arrangements including the project's funding ate already in place," said the governor.
He assured residents that the project would be completed as soon as the senate gave the green light for its implementation, saying it would benefit the entire county and country by providing employment and addressing the sugar shortfall in the region.
"We expect the factory to go a long way in addressing the sugar shortfall in the country when it finally becomes operational. It will also provide the region with direct and indirect employment in various sectors," said the governor.
Mr Ongwae asked Senator Janet Ongera to ensure the senatorial approval for the project is secured to enable the project to be completed.
The Kisii County government and the Kanoria Group from India last year signed a deal to construct the factory in South Mugirango.
Construction of the factory has however been hampered by several challenges, among them availability of land and statutory requirements governing the process.
The governor said the most project's challenges had been overcome, adding that it was an idea whose time had come.
"We are moving forward to complete the project, which has been South Mugirango residents' desire and objective since time immemorial. With the appropriate paperwork in place and regulatory requirements fulfilled will certainly achieve our objective," said the governor.
On her part, Senator Ongera promised to ensure the project was approved for the economic empowerment of the Gusii region.
"We have had fruitful discussions in the Senate over the factory and I'm confident that we will overcome the remaining legal hurdles that stand in the project's way. The Senate has expressed willingness to allow us to proceed with the project and all that remains is the approval before the investors begin construction," she said.
Governor Ongwae meanwhile asked residents to vote for the Nasa presidential candidate Raila Odinga, saying Jubilee had failed the country.
"We have suffered for the last four years under an inefficient and clueless Jubilee leadership. It is time for Kenyans to elect Mr Odinga who is the most suitable to lead the country put of its current economic woes," said Governor Ongwae.
He expressed confidence in retaining his seat, saying his opponents had no development track record worth mentioning.
"My development record speaks for itself and those claiming I've done nothing are engaging in mere propaganda in a desperate effort to shore up their diminishing support among voters," he said.
The incumbent governor admitted his administration had weaknesses but asked the electorate to support his quest for a second term in order to complete ongoing development projects.
"No leadership is perfect, and I admit that we have had our weaknesses in one or two areas during my first term. I however plead with you to give me another term in order to allow me to complete my development projects which are still in progress," said the governor.
He however clashed with senatorial aspirant Omingo Magara when he asked residents to vote for ODM candidates Prof Ongeri who is vying for the senatorial seat and Senator Janet Ongera who is running for the women representative's seat.
"We cannot afford to vote in a six-piece format for candidates from the same party because that will kill accountability if they ate all elected," said Mr Magara, the runner up in the 2013 senatorial race.
Mr Magara warned residents in attendance against voting six piece voting, saying the elected leaders would have nobody to check on their excesses in administration.
"Let us have a mixed basket of leaders from different parties so that they can check each other and ensure public funds and resources are not stolen by people who have no obligation to correct or oversight each other," said Mr Magara.
He insisted he won the 2013 polls but was robbed of his victory.
"Like the biblical Jacob, I won the right to marry Rachel but was given Leah instead. It is my hope that this year's election will see me reclaim what is rightfully mine, which is the senator's seat, " he said.