Fresh pressure is mounting on Busia Governor Paul Otuoma after Members of the County Assembly accused his administration of mismanaging Sh19 million allocated for ward-based development projects.

The MCAs claim that despite the funds being approved in the 2024/2025 budget, no meaningful work has begun on the ground.

Led by Minority Leader Bonventure Makoha and Marachi Ward Representative Shadrack Masinde, the legislators voiced their frustration during a session at the County Assembly chambers on Wednesday, saying repeated efforts to get answers from the executive have gone unanswered.

“Governor Otuoma must come clean on the whereabouts of the Sh19 million meant for development. These funds were allocated through the correct legislative process, but up to now, no work has begun on the ground,” said Makoha.

Masinde expressed concern over stalled development initiatives in his ward, pointing to projects such as borehole drilling, road rehabilitation, and school improvements that remain untouched despite the approved budget.

“In Marachi Ward, not even a single contractor has been deployed. We are told there’s no money, yet the Assembly approved it months ago. This is unacceptable,” Masinde stated.

The MCAs described the situation as gross financial mismanagement and are now demanding urgent intervention by investigative bodies, particularly the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, to audit the county’s handling of development funds.

They warned that continued lack of transparency could undermine public trust in the devolved system, especially if citizens continue to see little impact from approved budgets.

A special sitting of the County Assembly is scheduled for next week, where top county officials may be summoned to account for the delayed implementation of the ward projects and to explain the fate of the Sh19 million.