Crisis rages as road works stall

Uasin Gishu County Jackson Mandago (second left) and road officials inspect the Eldoret-Ziwa Kachibora road, yesterday.  [PHOTO: PETER OCHIENG]

By TITUS TOO

Uasin Gishu, Kenya: When former President Kibaki launched construction work for two road projects in Uasin Gishu County, farmers in the grain basket region saw a ray of hope marking the end of transport woes.

But, over two years down the line, most sections of the roads are still impassable as works stalled moments after they started.

The road cuts across the county and links Eldoret town to other regions including urban centres such as Ziwa, Kapchorwa and Moi’s Bridge, which lead in maize, wheat, dairy and horticulture production.

 “The rehabilitation of Eldoret-Ziwa-Kapchorwa and Kachibora-Moi’s Bridge roads was officially launched by Kibaki, on Monday, November 14, 2011. The project is financed by the Government,” reads part of a plaque mounted in Ziwa.

Despite the presence of the plaques, motorists plying the route still meander as they evade potholes and are also forced to divert to rough terrain in sections of the road.

“We incur heavy expenses in maintaining our vehicles that break down due to the poor road,” said Peter Korir, a local farmer.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago who inspected the road yesterday, said they had talked to the Ministry of Roads Principal Secretary and funds would be released for the road works.

Mandago said they have annexed part of the rehabilitation work and issued two tenders to save time and enhance efficiency.

The governor was accompanied by the County Executive for Roads and Infrastructure Gideon Birir and a contractor Anwar Nell of Kimilili Construction.