The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Garissa is grappling with a shortage of supplies due to flooding that has blocked off key roads, potentially causing a rise in the prices of essential goods.
The closure of the Garissa – Madogo highway, prompted by heavy rains, has been officially announced by the Kenya National Highway Authority via social media. Citizens are urged to exercise caution and wait for the floodwaters to recede before attempting to cross.
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Since Friday, transport along this vital route has been paralyzed, leaving both people and vehicles unable to enter or exit Garissa town towards Nairobi. Travelers to Wajir and Mandera are also stranded at Madogo town, as it serves as the gateway to the larger North Eastern region.
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Abdiwahid Ahmed, CEO of the Garissa Chapter of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the likelihood of severe shortages due to road damage and panic buying, condemning hoarding practices as unethical, illegal, and inhumane. He warned that action would be taken against businesses engaging in such practices. This marks the third occasion in which this road stretch has been impassable since it was destroyed by El Nino rains in December of the previous year.
Sheikh Hassan Abdullahi of Supkem addressed the broader impacts of the floods, emphasizing the adverse effects on education, health, food security, and infrastructure. He condemned hoarding goods, citing its prohibition in Islam and calling for assistance to flood victims. Sheikh Hassan urged compassion towards those affected and appealed for government intervention at both the county and national levels.
Garissa county Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo advised against crossing floodwaters and urged residents along the River Tana to relocate to higher ground for safety.
