Hundreds of hectares of crops have been destroyed in Mandera county after River Dawa breached its banks.
According to Mandera County Agriculture Department, Farmers in Mandera are counting losses for the third time this year due to floods caused by the river.
The farmers expressed over the recurrent floods saying the government failed to resolve the matter.
Mr. Ali Hassan Hamo grows onions, watermelons and maize on a river bank farm in Mandera town.
Speaking to Nairobi based newspaper, Daily Nation, Hamo said due to the floods that submerged his farm, his losses amount to more than Sh3 million.
“We have had floods since March. Unfortunately, the county and national governments have not come to our aid,” he said.
Aibla Ali Osman who is a farmer also narrated how different crops on her acre farm were destroyed after the river bursted its banks.
“This is the third time, I planted my farm but unfortunately everything was washed away by the river. Nothing remained,” Osman sadly said.
At Kodha farm in Fiqow area, 15 acres of land under bananas is flooded.
“We shall not harvest anything this season. Suckers are rotting. This means we will begin the project afresh,” Mr. Hassan Ibrahim Robow said.
He added that farmers and their families were at risk of being attacked by crocodiles.
Kenya Wildlife Service officers have laid crocodile traps at Border Point One.
Mr. Mohamed Abdi asked the government to fulfill its promise and find a solution to the flood menace.
“When Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa visited Mandera in April, he said the government would look into our problems. We are still waiting,” Mr. Abdi said.
Ms. Habiba Hassan said many children would abandon school because of the destruction caused by floods.
“I rely on the farm for school fees. All my crops have been washed away. I expected to get at least Sh700,000,” she said.
The floods destroyed her 10-acre farm where she grows sesame, onions and watermelons.
River Dawa originates from the Ethiopian highlands which are experiencing heavy rains flows before its tributaries flow into River Jubba in Somalia.
Source: HALBEEG NEWS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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