Governor Waititu banks on new technology to fix roads

The new 2.3 kilometre Kiambia-Gathanga road in Kiambaa Constituency that has been constructed using the new Pure Crete technology. [Kamau Maichuhie, Standard]

Governor Ferdinand Waititu's administration has adopted a new technology to fast-track road upgrading.  

Pure Crete technology eliminates the use of cement in road construction, and will be used to upgrade at least ten roads.

Pure Crete is a non-bacterial concentrated formulation that alters the properties of earth materials, providing one of the most cost effective methods to stabilise roads, seal ponds and landfills.

It is non-toxic, non-corrosive and bio-degradable product making it good for the environment.

Among areas earmarked to benefit from road construction using the new technology include Lari, Githunguri and Gatundu North constituencies.

Kiambia-Gathanga

Kiambia-Gathanga road in Kiambaa constituency has already been upgraded using the new technology. The 2.3 kilometre was constructed at a cost of Sh60 million.

According to David Njaramba, one of the engineers involved in the construction of the road, the new technology guaranteed a higher quality and longer life span.

“Very many roads can be built using this method since it reduces the cost and takes shorter time to complete compared to the others,” said Mr Njaramba.

An official at the roads department who declined to be named because he is not authorised to speak to the media said the cost of building roads using the new technology is relatively lower compared to the others.

“At Sh60 million for 2.3 kilometers, the cost is lower than the national average,” said the official.

He said 10 more roads from the 12 constituencies in the county will be upgraded using the new technology.

Governor Waititu has said that his administration was keen to ensure all dilapidated roads are fixed.

He said the county has put in place an elaborate programme to upgrade hundreds of kilometers of roads.

Residents of Kiambia and Gathanga villages welcomed the repair of  Kiambia-Gathanga road  saying it has been in a  state of disrepair for more than 10 decades.

They said the road has been a source of  perennial campaign promises from politicians every election year.

“Since 1970s, we have always been promised the road will be tarmacked by leaders seeking our votes during elections. This is a dream come true for residents who have suffered for years due to the poor state of the road,” said Paul Kahoro.

Another resident, Jeremiah Michukli, said the area had been inaccessible especially during the rains.

“During the rain season, it has always been a nightmare for locals to move since no vehicles would use the road. We are happy and grateful for what the county government has done,” he said.