Kibaki commissions work on city bypasses

By Beauttah Omanga

President Kibaki commissioned construction of bypasses to ease traffic on Nairobi roads.

The President said the Eastern and Northern bypasses would cost Sh8.5 billion.

He, however, expressed disappointment with some State parastatals and companies for contributing to road damage by failing to enforce the law. He singled out Kenya Pipeline Company and cargo companies for clearing overloaded trucks ferrying goods from Mombasa port.

"These are Government institutions that cannot escape responsibility for overloaded vehicles originating from their premises," said Kibaki, yesterday.

He directed ministries of Roads, Transport and Energy to ensure cargo trucks complied with axle-weight limits.

New transport

He said new roads must have walkways and a section for cyclists. He said heavy commercial vehicles would be re-routed to alternative roads outside the city centre.

He challenged planners to come up with new ideas on how to address traffic congestion in urban centres.

Kibaki said the African Development Bank had agreed to finance a study to determine the best public transport system in Nairobi.

He was accompanied by Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Roads Minister Franklin Bett.

Kalonzo commended the Chinese Government for supporting road construction and other projects in the country.

Bett said there are plans to launch new buses with a 160 to 240-passenger capacity to ease traffic.

"We have issued instructions to road constructors in the city to create points where the special buses will be dropping and picking passengers," he said.

The minister said all structures in areas earmarked for road expansion would be pulled down.

The construction of bypasses is being funded by the Chinese Government, which will foot 85 per cent of the total cost.

Chinese Ambassador Deng Hong Bo said his government would ensure quality work.