This article was first published on Homa Bay County’s website.
The implementation of the urban Quick Win project will help Mbita, Homa Bay County, transition into a sustainable urban town, contributing towards poverty reduction.
The Homa Bay technical Working Group members met on Wednesday, 5th July, 2018 at the County lands department headquarters to discuss and review Quick Win documents and compliance issues. To ensure targets are achieved within agreed timelines, and proceed to the longer Change Project, they resolved to conduct various procurement processes afresh.
The County’s SymbioCity Pilot project seeks to help Mbita town identify practical and integrated systems solutions and synergies that promote sustainable urban development and improve existing urban development policies, plans, processes and practices.
Deputy Pilot Coordinator, Charles Obondo said the Technical Working group is preparing an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to guide the installation of double story and stand-alone metal containers, cold storage facilities and mini bio-digester.
“We are keen to use the SymbioCity approach that starts with fact-finding, interaction with stake holders and community participation. The residents of Mbita town will soon benefit from the Quick Win,” he says.
National Environment Management environmental officer, John Maniafu said his office is ready to work towards developing the Environment Management Plan (EMP) which will guide in the management of environment during the project’s implementation.
One of the stakeholders in the Mbita SymbioCity Pilot project pledged their support on the environmental plan, noting its significance.
“We are ready to work closely with the expert to determine the site for placing cold storage facilities, putting into consideration environmental issues,” says Mr. Edward Oremo, the Beach Management Unit leader.
An Environmental Impact Assessment consultant will undertake public participation to include comments on the envisaged environment and social impacts of the proposed projects.
Among other deliverables, the Terms of Reference report also seeks to provide advice on all environment aspects required in the installation of metal container shops, mini bio-digester and cold storage facilities.