LOWER NZOIA IRRIGATION PROJECT ELECTIONS ITS DISPUTE RESOLUTION COMMITTEE (DRC)

Today, Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project held elections for the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) whose Chairman makes part of the Scheme’s Management Committee (SMC).

The following were elected:

1. Francis Okotch Adinda (Chairperson),
2. Piuson Otieno Kombedoh (Vice Chairperson)
3. Sylvester Opiyo Sidungu (Secretary)
4. Silas Okumu Mukomba (Vice Secretary)
5. John Christon Omondi Okwach (Treasurer)

The election was overseen by representatives from State Department for Irrigation, National Irrigation Authority and Directorate of Social Development Officers from Siaya and Busia Counties. The elected officials will coordinate farmers in the larger Lower Nzoia Irrigation project inclusive of block 8 – Bunyala Irrigation Scheme.

As provided for in the Irrigation (General) Regulations 2021, the Committee is mandated to hear and determine:

1. Disputes relating to water use and distribution of water between members of the association;
2. Disputes relating to the determination and payment of an irrigation service charge;
3. Matters relating to contravention of the by-laws of an association;
4. Matters relating to non-observance of the watering schedule of an association; and
5. Appeals lodged against the administrative decisions of the association management committee.

The Authority is committed to Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) in food production in line with Government’s agenda under Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).