Nema should hasten approvals for roadworks

Allegations by an Israeli road construction firm this week that the building of the Mau Summit-Kericho-Kisumu highway has delayed because they have been waiting for the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) to give approvals were depressing.

The construction of this key segment of the 1,200km Northern Corridor that links Mombasa and Busia is behind schedule by a year. It goes without saying that when contractors overshoot their work timelines, the cost of construction inevitably goes up and the extra cost is borne by the taxpayer.

These delays are often caused by challenges that can easily be overcome. Take the case in question, for example, where the contractor has been sitting waiting for the go-ahead from Nema. Of course there are certain technical environmental issues experts at Nema have to consider before giving their nod. However, because of the importance of this road, Nema should treat it with urgency because this section is worn out.

The contractor who says he has all the machinery seemed to be speaking to the Press out of frustration after the long wait. Such red tape not only paints Kenya as an unattractive business destination, but also forces the taxpayer to dig deeper into the pocket to finance public projects.

Closer consultations between the contractor and the Ministry of Roads on the one hand and Nema should help speed up the approvals.