Concerns over stalled Thika road as upgrading of 40kms access roads commenses

Thika, Sunday, May 28, 2023

KNA by Muoki Charles

Residents of Gatuanyaga and Munyu areas in Thika East Sub County have raised concerns over the stalling of the tarmacking of a road that links the two areas.

They said the 18 km road whose tarmacking commenced two years ago had brought hope of opening up the area to business as well as ease accessibility, before it stalled.

Only a few kilometers of the road that joins the two areas to Kang'oki area, and that was expected to be one of the main flagship projects in the area, have been tarmacked.

Led by Patrick Macharia, the residents said the commissioning of the road, the only tarmac connecting villages in the sub county, brought excitement and hoped works would restart.

He said the rains have damaged the road putting them into untold suffering while traveling.

Some matatu drivers said they have since removed their vehicles from the route due to its poor state.

They called on the government to consider their plight and ensure the tarmacking of the road is completed.

Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a, during the launch of the grading of some 40kms of access roads at Athena estate Saturday said the tarmacking of the road will restart once funds are available.

She said they are working on less expensive projects as they wait for funds to complete stalled projects.

"We plead for patience from those who use the Gatuanyaga-Munyu-Kangoki road as we wait for funds to complete its tarmacking. In the meantime, we are doing other less expensive projects to elevate the status of the area, " she said.

Among the roads set for grading are the Athena-Kimuchu Road, stretches in Ngoingwa, Kisii and Kwaheri villages among several others.

Ng’ang’a noted that the access roads will be repaired, expanded and murrumed after they were damaged by the rains.

She said the long-term plan is to have all the roads tarmacked, subject to availability of funds.

Road users welcomed the project saying the rains have made the roads deplorable.

Matatu drivers plying the areas said they have incurred huge costs repairing their vehicles that have been getting damaged frequently.

They said during rainy season, their movements are curtailed by the poor roads.

Another road whose tarmacking had stalled but has since been restarted is the Njomoko-Mangu-Flyover road, which Roads Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen during a recent tour in the area said funds for completing the project will be availed within the course of the year.

Since then, works have restarted and residents hope there will be no further delays.

The road links Thika Superhighway to the Naivasha-Nakuru highway, hence easing traffic and accessibility

It had over the past months been a subject of protests by residents who accused the contractor over delays in completion and leaving huge trenches by its sides, an accident risk.

Courtesy ; K. N. A