A man in Kamwaha village in Gaturi in Mathioya, Murang'a County, has become a darling of the residents after making them a makeshift bridge across a major river that has proved to be helpful.
Peter Waithaka,30, used locally available materials to make the 20-meter wide bridge across Mathioya river that is now benefitting residents of Kamwaha, Karia-ini, Kigetu-ini, Kamwaha and Kabuta villages.
The structure, which cost him around Sh40,000, has become a major attraction as many people flock the area to see the bridge.
Waithaka noted that for many years, he had to swim across the river to access his home. Alternatively, he would walk more than 15 kilometers from Murang'a town which is barely five kilometres from his makeshift bridge.
"Mathioya river is huge and deep. It has claimed so many lives over the years. We have lost count of the number of people who have drowned in the river, and this has mainly been due to lack of a bridge," said Waithaka.
Like many of the youth in the villages, Waithaka is a swimmer. However, he was concerned that residents, including the elderly, were forced to walk long distances because of lack of a bridge on the river.
"Even though I could swim comfortably across the river, there were times this was not possible, especially during rainy seasons as the river would swell. This still meant that I had to walk a long distance to get home. That is when the idea of making this makeshift bridge came to my mind," said Waithaka.
"At the time, I had quit sand harvesting for farming and I also had a problem transport farm produce."
Some of the materials he has used to make the bridge include steel wires, wooden posts and spent motorcycle tires which he collected from local mechanics.
The 23-meter long bridge was primarily meant for his personal use as he went into his one-acre banana farm across the river.
"I am happy that the makeshift bridge is now being used by more than 50 people daily. It is a relief for them after years of struggle," said Waithaka.
Robert Mwangi, a resident, said many people were unsure if Waithaka's idea would work.
"This bridge is serving some many people who would otherwise be walking long distances to get to Murang'a town," he said.
Samuel Njogu, another resident, said: "We all appreciate the efforts of one of us to make this makeshift bridge. However, we are appealing to the authorities to construct a permanent one that will last longer."
"The durability of this bridge cannot be predicted. We appeal to Governor Irungu Kang'ata and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, under whose constituency this are falls, to help make us get a permanent and safer bridge," said Njogu.
