County goes for equipment lease in Sh285M roads upgrade

Meru is the latest county to lease equipment from the national government for the upgrade of 800 kilometres of feeder roads.

Other counties that have entered into similar agreement with the government are Kisii and Nyandarua.

The county government said it will lease the equipment from the Mechanical Transport Fund (MTF) unit under the Ministry of Transport for the project worth Sh285 million.

The MTF will provide various machines including bulldozers, graders, excavators, water bowsers and low bed trailers as per the contract agreement.

A total of 604 kilometres will be upgraded through dozing, rock breaking, grading, excavation and compaction.

Heavy rains

Another 139.5 kilometres will be graveled. The roads are expected to last for five years with minimal routine maintenance.

“We expect the works will begin at the same time in the three regions of Meru County since the equipment will be working in three sets,” said Governor Kiraitu Murungi.

“During the heavy rains, construction will mainly be concentrated in areas where there is rock breaking.”

Deputy governor Titus Ntuchiu, who is also the Finance minister, said by not hiring equipment from private contractors, the MTF partnership would save the county 50 per cent in construction costs.

Bad state

The roads being upgraded mainly serve rural communities by connecting them to schools, markets and hospitals.

They are currently in a bad state because of the ongoing rains.

They are also important arteries for accessing agricultural markets and transporting farm inputs.

At the same time, quarry owners are also set to benefit from the upgrade since all the graveling material will be sourced from their quarries. They, however, must be approved.

Kiraitu said local guards would be hired to provide security for the equipment.

The county government is also undertaking a similar upgrade for urban roads at a cost of Sh400 million.

Kiraitu said 12 markets will be paved with cabro.