Parents and guardians in Kadibo Sub-County have been urged to take precautions to protect children from flooding as authorities prepare for forecast El Niño rains.
Kadibo Assistant County Commissioner Casline Omollo warned that children could be exposed to danger if left unsupervised, particularly when fetching water or carrying out household chores during periods of heavy rainfall.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ugwe Primary School in Bwanda Location, Omollo urged families living in flood-prone areas to relocate to higher ground before rising waters threaten their homes.
She said the government was working with local leaders to identify safe areas for residents likely to be displaced, calling for community support to protect vulnerable households, especially women and children.
“We have to prepare for El Niño. We know it is coming, and because of that, you have to prepare to move to higher ground,” she said.
Omollo emphasised the need for parents to closely monitor their children and ensure they are accompanied during activities that could expose them to floodwaters and other related hazards.
Meanwhile, local leaders said residents were working to reduce flooding by constructing drainage channels to direct surface runoff into Lake Victoria.
An administrator from Kanyagwal Bonface Nyandeje said the community was building on government interventions, including the construction of dykes, by opening additional canals to improve water drainage.
“We appreciate the national government for the dike that they have made for us. Currently, we are making canals leading to Lake Victoria to ensure that the surface runoff we experience will lead to the lake,” Nyandeje said.
However, the administrator appealed for support through a food-for-work programme to enable residents to sustain the drainage projects.
Plans are also underway to renovate and expand rescue centres to provide shelter for families forced to leave their homes during flooding.
Beyond flood preparedness, Omollo urged residents to maintain high standards of hygiene amid concerns about Ebola, advising them to wash their hands regularly, keep their surroundings clean and observe appropriate disease-prevention measures.
She also called on parents, teachers and the wider community to create a conducive environment for candidates preparing for national examinations.
The administrator cautioned residents against unnecessary movements, excessive noise and other activities that could interfere with learners’ concentration during the examination period.
Omollo further raised concern over cases of early pregnancies and sexual abuse involving school-going children, urging adults to respect minors’ rights and protect them from exploitation.
“Leave the children alone,” she warned, cautioning that those who sexually abuse minors risk facing serious legal consequences.
She asked parents and guardians to remain particularly vigilant during school holidays and report suspected cases of abuse to the relevant authorities, saying protecting children was essential to safeguarding their welfare and education.
Omollo said the spirit of Mashujaa Day should inspire residents to promote unity, care for vulnerable members of society and work with authorities to improve safety and community welfare.
