Proposed sugar firm splits Siaya County leaders

Multibillion-shilling sugar miller Dominion Farms is entangled in a conflict with residents who don’t want a sugar mill.

The firm wants the factory set up following an agreement it signed with defunct local authorities but locals opposed to it say it will destroy the environment.

They say the firm failed to honour an agreement it reached with locals to hire them as casuals at its inception in Yala in 2003.

It was also supposed to make good use of 3,000 acres that was made available to it and provide bursaries, roads, health centres and electricity.

Several people were injured on Friday when two groups clashed over the establishment of the factory.

Dominion Farms is owned by Mr Calvin Barges, an American.

Leaders and residents are divided. Five ward representatives led demos against the factory on Friday.

INCITEMENT CLAIMS

Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo is among those opposed to the sugar mill.

“The company has broken its promises. We cannot allow it to build a factory here,” he said on Saturday.

But Dominion Farms manager Chris Abir insists that the factory will be put up. He said the agreement with the Siaya County Council stood.

Mr Abir told the Nation on Tuesday that the firm applied for a sugar milling licence in July 2010.

“We have followed the correct procedures. The National Environment Management Authority has approved the building of the factory,” he said.

He accused politicians of inciting locals. “The mill will provide employment to youth. Many support it and their voices should be heard,” he said.

However, Nema County Director Leonard Ofula said the factory was unsuitable due to its proximity to Lake Kanyaboli.

“We recommend that the firm demolishes the factory it has been secretly building,” Mr Ofula said.

The ward reps who led the Friday protests said they would not allow the factory there as the firm had failed to honour a past agreement.