DAILLIES #MP MWATATE

To uplift the economic status of Mwatate constituents, the Member of Parliament for Mwatate,Peter Shake made bold promises during his campaign. He pledged to form companies for locals, particularly targeting people living with disabilities, women, and youth, to enable their participation in the tendering process. However, almost two years since his election, these promises remain unfulfilled, leaving many wondering, "What went wrong?"

One of the key promises was the formation of companies within six months of the MP's election. These companies were meant to facilitate equity in the procurement of tenders in Mwatate constituency. Sadly, there has been no sign of progress on this front, leaving many constituents disillusioned.

Recently, in Mwatunge, Modambogho sub-location, Mwatate ward, the national government offered to build a market to boost the local economy. The tender for this project was awarded to FEPP General Contractors Limited , raising eyebrows among the locals. They are puzzled as to how the tender was awarded to this particular company, with many feeling left out of the process. 

By urging residents to serve as mere brokers of construction materials rather than actively participating in the construction process through locally established companies, the MP's actions appear to contradict his earlier commitments to promote local empowerment and inclusion in development initiatives. This discrepancy has left residents questioning the sincerity and integrity of the MP. 

The dissonance between the MP's earlier commitments and his current encouragement for residents to engage solely as brokers raises significant questions about the discrepancy between promises made and actions taken.

The ownership of the project has sparked a dispute between the area MCA, Joseph Kennedy Mwalegha, and the MP. The MCA was handed over the project by the technical team from Nairobi, as the MP was reportedly unaware of its existence until notified by his groundmen. 

The manner in which the tender was awarded and the lack of transparency in the process have exacerbated the situation. Locals are now relegated to providing cheap labor, with no substantial benefits accruing to them. There are also concerns about the display of the contract signboard, which fails to provide details about the tender amount, further adding to the lack of transparency.

The residents feel neglected and taken advantage of by their elected leaders, who seem more interested in personal gain than in fulfilling their promises to the community. The need for accountability and transparency in tender processes is paramount to avoid such controversies in the future. 

It is imperative for the MP to address the discrepancies between his promises and actions, and to provide clarity and accountability to the constituents. Residents deserve transparency and honesty from their elected representatives, as well as genuine efforts to promote local empowerment and economic development.  

Elected leaders must prioritize the needs of their constituents and ensure that promises made during campaigns are fulfilled for the betterment of the community.

The acquisition of a school bus for Mwatate Secondary School has sparked controversy and raised questions about the allocation of resources by Hon. Peter Shake, the Member of Parliament. While the gesture is commendable, concerns have been raised regarding the true priorities of the community and the urgent needs that remain unaddressed.

One cannot overlook the pressing issues facing primary education in the constituency. Schools like Kitivo Primary School, with a significant student population, lack basic infrastructure such as fencing, leaving them vulnerable to land disputes and security concerns. Similar challenges are faced by Mailikumi Primary School, Mwatunge Primary School, Godoma Primary School, and Kighononyi Primary School, exacerbating tensions between the schools and their surrounding communities.

Furthermore, the lack of adequate desks in rural schools highlights the dire need for essential resources to create a conducive learning environment for students. Additionally, the absence of a library in Mwatate Subcounty deprives underprivileged pupils and students of a vital resource for academic advancement and self-improvement. 

Hon. Shake's initiation of a food program, while beneficial, faces financial constraints that limit its sustainability. Moreover, over 230 students from Mwatate Subcounty lack the necessary school fees to pursue secondary education, indicating a deeper systemic issue that requires immediate attention.

The intended purpose of the bus was to serve both the sports fraternity and the wider community, acting as an asset for talent development and community welfare programs. However, miscommunication or oversight may have led to its allocation solely to Mwatate Secondary School, missing the opportunity for broader community benefit and utilization.

 It is imperative for leaders and decision-makers to prioritize the fundamental needs of the community over symbolic gestures. The role of the Member of Parliament and the NGCDF committee is to serve the best interests of the constituents, addressing their most pressing concerns effectively and responsibly. 

It is crucial for the management of Hon. Shake's office to critically assess the allocation of resources and provide informed advice to the leadership. However, two critical obstacles hinder effective counsel: reluctance due to age or a lack of a sense of ownership towards leadership. Addressing these impediments is essential to fostering effective governance and ensuring the welfare of the community.

The acquisition of a school bus, while beneficial, should not overshadow the urgent needs of education and infrastructure in Mwatate Constituency. Responsible allocation of resources, informed decision-making, and genuine commitment to serving the community are paramount to addressing the challenges and achieving meaningful progress.