Contractors put on notice for slow work progress

 

Ibokolo- Shinda- Malaha-Malava road section which is under construction. Mumias East Mp Benjamin Washiali asked the government to push the contractor to finish the road within the agreed period. BY BENJAMIN SAKWA

Contractors working on key roads in the county have been asked to speed up works or have their contracts terminated.

Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali said yesterday the slow pace of completing road projects launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta last year was unacceptable and responsible contractors would be sent packing.

He said most of the contractors lacked the capacity to handle multiple projects because they did not have enough equipment.

"The contractors do not have enough equipment, which is why they are slow. They must comply with the terms of the contract and complete projects on time. If they fail to meet our standards, then the Government should consider terminating their contracts," said Mr Washiali.

Endangering lives

Among the affected roads are Sigalagala-Sidindi, Ibokolo-Shianda, Lurambi-Navakholo-Musikoma and Musanda-Ugunja.

Residents have also expressed concern about the slow progress of completing the projects and want the contractors sent packing.

Victor Nasiali, a motorbike taxi operator in Kakamega, said failure to complete the roads, especially Ibokolo-Shianda, had greatly affected businesses in the region.

He asked the national government to intervene and terminate the contracts of errant contractors.

"Construction has stalled, putting ours and our passengers' lives at risk. The contractor does not have enough equipment and is unable to handle the project," said Mr Nasiali.

The 23km Ibokolo-Shianda road is being upgraded at a cost of Sh1.17 billion and the Lurambi-Navakholo-Musikoma road for Sh2 billion.

Deputy President William Ruto had previously warned contractors that they risked having their contracts terminated if they did not meet deadlines.