Contractor, KERRA officials forced to apologize over Embu impassable roads

MPs Eric Muchangi (left) and Gitonga Mukunji (right) lead KERRA officials on a tour of roads under construction. [Murithi Mugo, Standard]

A section of Embu MPs have clashed with road contractors over their projects after residents complained about the poor road networks across the county.

Legislators Eric Muchangi (Runyenjes) and Gitonga Mukunji (Manyatta) caused a storm when they led a team accompanied by KERRA officials, contractors and area residents in an inspection tour, forcing a road contractor doing Kathageri - Kigumo Road to apologize to residents.

"I take this opportunity to apologize if I wronged you and commit to redoing this road better," said the contractor, only identified as Mr Munene.

The Eastern region Director at KERRA, Eng John Wachai, acknowledged the road was not properly done and committed to paying the contractor only after redoing the road.

"There is a problem, and we are keen on rectifying it and ensuring it is up to the standard provided by my office," Wachai said.

According to Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi, the residents using Kathageri - Kigumo - Kanyuambora road protested the poor workmanship on murraming the road that connects Mbeere North and Runyenjes Constituency.

"You did a petition on the shoddy work, and we will not allow such kind of work on our roads, and that's why we elected Kenya Kwanza Government led by President Ruto, who is initiating development projects across the Country," Muchangi noted.

He also warned residents against carrying out farming activities and cutting trees on the roadsides which interfere with the drainage system.

Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji decried the slow pace of work while urging KERRA officials to work with MPs to ensure they award contracts to competent contractors with good records.