Dhogoye Bridge: The perpetual campaign pledge in Siaya politics

Students cross Dhogoye bridge in West Yimbo, Siaya County using a boat. Transport between Usenge and Got Agulu sub-locations has been paralyzed due to the swelling waters of Lake Victoria. [Isaiah Gwengi/Standard]. Since it was constructed in 1975, Dhogoye, a bridge linking Usenge and Got-Agulu sub-locations, has been a source of joy and pain to both the locals and visitors. Situated two kilometers from Usenge town and a gateway to the neighboring Busia County through Budalan'gi constituency, the bridge is said to have outlived its life expectancy. According to the locals, it was a temporary bridge that would serve for only 15 years before a new one would be built. But more than four decades later, the bridge has been neglected by successive governments despite creating access to social amenities such as Got Agulu Sub-county Hospital and more than four schools. For more than ten years, the critical road has remained in a pathetic condition despite endless appeals by the locals. Residents who spoke to The Standard say the bridge is a case study of neglect and bad leadership. Isaiah Onyango, a resident of Usoga village, says building a modern bridge has been one of the grand promises by politicians seeking seats, especially MPs. Onyango says that, in 1974, a plan to construct the bridge was made by the government. The funds were given to the Ministry of Roads and Public Works and a year later, the bridge was completed. During successive campaigns, politicians have used it as one of the grand projects they intend to achieve if elected. It was a key feature in current MP Gideon Ochanda's campaigns in the build-up to the 2017 and 2022 General Elections. His predecessor Oburu Oginga also promised to build it during his stint as MP. "Every election, we hear candidates promising to have the bridge constructed but that has never happened," said Onyango. In 2017, the first tendering for the design and construction of the bridge was advertised by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). Closure for tenders was done in June and the tender was awarded to a Chinese construction company in the same month. But having the bridge built remained a pipe dream until early last year when the work began but stalled under unclear circumstances. And when President William Ruto inspected the bridge in October 2023 during his four-day tour of the Nyanza region, he promised that work on the bridge would be completed within 18 months. Ruto, who was accompanied by Siaya Governor James Orengo, said the bridge will ensure quick, safe, and cheap movement of goods and people. "The bridge will connect Siaya and Busia and enhance regional trade," said the Head of State. But two years after the President left, the roaring sounds of trucks and tractors went silent, with only repair works taking place on the older bridge.

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