Transport crisis as main bridge swept off in Machakos

Residents of Kathiani and Kangundo are grappling with a transport nightmare after the only bridge between the two sub-counties was washed away by El Nino rains three weeks ago.

The crumbling of Thwake Bridge has caused an uproar from locals, who now want the county government to move swiftly and fix it. The residents are blaming the collapse of the bridge on rampant and uncontrolled sand harvesting activities in Thwake River. Local administrators have been accused of taking bribes from sand transporters, who have been scooping the commodity right under the bridge for many years.

A collapsed section of Thwake bridge, which was washed away by floods after heavy rains pounded parts of Machakos County three weeks ago. (PHOTO: ERASTUS MULWA/ STANDARD)

Senator Johnstone Muthama and Kathiani MP Robert Mbui have visited the scene to access the damage and promised residents that the bridge would be fixed ‘soon’ but so far, no activity has begun.

Located barely two kilometres from Kathiani town, which is both the commercial and administrative capital of Kathiani sub-county, the bridge facilitates public transport and movement of goods between Kangundo and Kathiani.

But now, transport between the two sub-county headquarters have been paralysed and matatus plying the route have been forced to use other routes. Besides, Kathiani town has strategic social amenities for residents of lower Kangundo, which have now been cut off, particularly the Kathiani Level 4 Hospital and several administrative installations.

Families residing in Kangundo and whose loved ones are admitted at Kathiani Hospital are forced to travel to Machakos town through Mwala sub-county and connect again to Kathiani, which they have said is expensive and time-consuming.

Traders and farmers have not been spared either. Peter Kitemange, a local horticultural farmer who sells his produce in Kathiani market is one of the many people who have been hit by the crisis.  “Before, I was paying about Sh100 to have my goods transported to Kathiani, but now I am parting with about Sh900 to deliver the goods to the same market,” he said.