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Kisumu to install lifts at offices
What you need to know:
- The county government has asked interested firms to bid to install four lifts in the 12-storey building that also houses the Huduma Centre on the ground floor.
- Speaking to the Nation in March 2013, Nyanza Provincial Commissioner Francis Mutie said elevators would be fixed in the building by June that year. It did not happen.
- Governor Ranguma’s government chose the building for its headquarters soon after Kenya ushered in the devolved system of government.
The county government has finally advertised for tenders to install elevators in its 12-storey headquarters following complaints from the disabled.
Shifting offices of senior officials, including Governor Jack Ranguma’s and County Secretary Humphrey Nakitare’s to the ninth floor caused an uproar.
Nominated MCA Carolyne Agwanda and Ms Esther Onana, an activist, said lack of elevators had denied her group access to leaders.
“Every time we need service, we demand that the leaders come down,” Ms Agwanda said.
Mrs Onana said the governor should be the most accessible person in Kisumu.
“If reaching the second floor was a problem for not only the disabled but a lot of other people, how difficult would it be to get to the ninth floor?” she asked.
12-STOREY
The county government has asked interested firms to bid to install four lifts in the 12-storey building that also houses the Huduma Centre on the ground floor.
The county’s Housing Department last week announced that those interested in supplying, delivering and installing the lifts had until April 30 to present their applications.
Mr Nakitare told the Nation that the county’s expenditure on the elevators would depend on the amount set by bidders.
“The companies will quote their prices and we will pick the best bargain,” he said.
It is, however, unclear what became of a similar tender notice placed in the dailies in November 2012 by the Public Works Ministry.
Speaking to the Nation in March 2013, Nyanza Provincial Commissioner Francis Mutie said elevators would be fixed in the building by June that year. It did not happen.
Governor Ranguma’s government chose the building for its headquarters soon after Kenya ushered in the devolved system of government.
Until March this year, the county administration occupied all the three wings of its second floor as the main office block.
Many national government departments also have their offices in the building.
Mr Nakirare said pressure from the public had made the county take up the role of fixing the elevators despite the building being property of the national government.
