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{
    "id": 136850,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/136850/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 521,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Dr. Otichilo",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 131,
        "legal_name": "Wilber Ottichilo Khasilwa",
        "slug": "wilber-ottichilo"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I stand to contribute to this Motion. First, I want to congratulate the Minister and his team for the good work they are doing, so far. However, I want to note that there is quite a lot he needs to improve on, particularly the issue of the bills of quantities. This is one issue we discussed in the Committee and we were very concerned. Overall, the engineers from the Ministry usually come with very inflated bills of quantities compared to other contractors. As regards the proposed district headquarters, we know that the money given is not adequate. However, we would like the Ministry to give priority to districts that are established and have been there for a long time and those in northern Kenya. We should not see this money being given to districts which were established the other day. It must be given to districts which were established long time ago like Emuhaya District. It has been there for the last four years but without a district headquarter. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, on the issue of economic stimulus package, this is where you have a test. At least, now you have money to establish or construct various buildings in the constituencies. This is where you should demonstrate that you can deliver very well. I would like to recommend that you work very closely with hon. Members. Let this economic stimulus package not be like the Kazi Kwa Vijana Programme. According to me and many other colleagues, the Kazi Kwa Vijana Programme is a disaster. Unless it is looked at afresh, that is money that is being put under the drain. On the issue of building standards, which my colleagues have talked about, this is a big worry to this country. People are just building all over the place without following the laid down standards for constructions. As my colleagues have said, the Government needs to bring a Bill to this House so that we come up with very stringent guidelines and regulations. People who are involved in this should be severely punished. You hear a building has collapsed and that is it. You do not hear any of those people who are involved being punished. We have had so many buildings collapsing, but we have never heard those involved being punished. Finally, the issue of foot bridges is a very good and noble idea. We have many areas in this country which need foot bridges. We, therefore, need the Ministry to work very closely with Members of Parliament to see to it that foot bridges are constructed in areas where they are required. This is an area where we look at the Bill of Quantities. We were shocked when one of your engineers said that they constructed a foot bridge in Teso for Kshs4 million."
}