Residents of Nyandwir village in West Ugenya are finally breathing a sigh of relief following an intervention by the Oduor Sind Foundation, which has offered to repair a dilapidated road that has plagued the area for years. This philanthropic act comes as a beacon of hope for the villagers who have endured immense challenges due to the poor state of the road, which has been further exacerbated by erosion during heavy rains.
For years, the residents, led by Mzee Juma Musumba, have struggled with the road that links their village to the Nyadorera – Ugunja road. The road has been deteriorating at an alarming rate, with deep gullies and erosion making it nearly impassable. Despite countless pleas to local leaders and the Siaya County Government, the villagers’ cries have gone unanswered, and the situation has worsened with each rainy season.
The road has become a lifeline for the villagers, facilitating not only their movement but also the transportation of goods to and from Nyandwir village. However, the growing gullies, which have been widening year after year, have posed serious risks to the community. Villagers have expressed their frustration at the authorities’ inaction, with the problem becoming particularly dire for children and the elderly. Elly Otieno Ochieng’, a local resident, shared how children, attempting to cross the road to attend school, have often slipped into the dangerous gullies. “Even people, especially the elderly, have lost their limbs here, especially during the rainy season,” Ochieng’ lamented.
The situation had become so dire that, earlier this year, residents took to the streets in a bid to pressure the county government to act. The cause of the erosion, they say, lies with a contractor hired by the county government to work on the Aora Kodienya – Wath Rakuoyo road. The contractor reportedly failed to address the drainage system, a decision that left the area exposed to heavy erosion, making the road even more treacherous.
Amidst this despair, the Oduor Sind Foundation, a charitable organization, has come to the rescue. The foundation dispatched a team to the site to begin repairing the road, installing culverts to improve the drainage and facilitate better movement for the villagers. The foundation’s intervention has been hailed as a welcome relief, with the community expressing their deep gratitude for the support. The villagers hope that the Siaya County Government will take a cue from the foundation’s actions and prioritize the complete rehabilitation of the road, including addressing the drainage issues that continue to plague the area.
Ibrahim Haji, a representative of the Oduor Sind Foundation, explained that the road rehabilitation is part of the foundation’s broader charity work in Ugenya sub-county. “We are striving to help the vulnerable members of the community,” said Haji. He highlighted other initiatives by the foundation, such as constructing new homes for elderly individuals whose houses were collapsing and paying school fees for needy children. The foundation’s non-political stance, as emphasized by his colleague Robert Onyango, alias Swesa, is rooted in the organization’s sole focus on uplifting society through impactful programs.
Swesa also called for more support from well-wishers and like-minded leaders, urging them to join hands in transforming lives within the community. The Oduor Sind Foundation’s work has shown that private initiatives can play a critical role in addressing gaps left by government inaction.
For the residents of Nyandwir, the repair of the road represents more than just improved mobility it is a symbol of hope, showing that when communities and philanthropic organizations work together, change is possible. As they look toward the future, they remain hopeful that the support of such organizations, alongside greater attention from local government, will pave the way for better infrastructure and improved living conditions.
