Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has called upon the national government to give precedence to the completion of ongoing and unfinished projects before embarking on new ones.
The governor expressed his concerns during the National Treasury Public Participation Forum held at the county headquarters in Kathwana, where he hosted the PS State Department for Public Health & Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni.
Governor Njuki emphasized the significant cost implications of leaving incomplete projects unattended or stalled, noting that they become an unnecessary drain on taxpayers' money.
"It is a complete waste of resources for the government to fund new projects when the old projects that had already been started and have consumed taxpayers' money are incomplete. A good example is the completion of our county headquarters," Governor Njuki asserted.
Furthermore, Njuki called upon elected leaders across the county to ensure that pronouncements made by the President are documented and incorporated into the budget.
He highlighted the importance of honoring commitments made by the President, emphasizing the trust that the public places in his statements.
"When the president makes a pronouncement, speaking to his people, that becomes a commitment. There are many pronouncements that the president makes and sometimes go unattended and become very expensive when you see last-minute rushes to beat the deadline of trying to make him look good," he added.
The projects that the governor emphasized the need to prioritize include the re-engineering of Nithi bridge, the construction of Kithino Dam, the construction of three major markets in Chogoria, Chuka, and Marimanti towns, as well as providing resources to equip Chuka Level 5 hospital.
Governor Njuki also called for the completion of projects started in previous regimes, emphasizing the importance of undertaking projects that add value to the community.
He suggested that projects should be carefully considered and not merely initiated without thorough planning.
In addressing the issue of water provision to mitigate dry seasons in the county, the Governor urged the national government to prioritize three major dam projects in the county.
The PS, Mary Muthoni, assured the public that the government is committed to openness, accountability, and public participation. She stated that they would compile a report to align the budget with the needs and preferences of the masses.
"As a PS taking charge of this region, I am here to listen to the issues that are coming from the ground. There is what we may want to do for the people, but there is what the people want. The issues are well thought and affect the people," she said, highlighting the government's commitment to addressing the community's concerns.
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