Murang'a: Road delivered after eight years wait

The Government has pushed a road construction company that has delayed to deliver a 41 kilometers stretch in Mathioya, Murang’a.

 The Sh2.1 billion project has been completed despite the delay after it was awarded in 2012.

The focus on service delivery saw the allocation of funds for on St Mary- Gitugu-Mioro road, to increase business acitivities  in the upper parts of  Murang'a.

The idea to tarmack the road designed to connect upper Mathioya with Murang’a town was initiated in 1990’s before it was put on hold following rivalry between the former political weights the late John Michuki and Joseph Kamotho.

The two battled for political supremacy in the larger Kangema constituency.

Nyoro Construction Company Director Michael Kariuki said they have delivered the project through the frustration of delayed remittance of money.

“ We are happy as a Kenyan company we have given the best project that will stay for years without the need for repair,” said Kariuki as he supervised the completion of the project.

Residents of Mioro and Gitugi, he said have a reason to smile after the completion of the project, which was earmarked to be through in 2015.

 Challenges experienced  included delayed payment of wages to the workers resulting to low morale, uncooperative neighbours who had encroached the road.

Gatamathi and Kenya Power companies  also took long to relocate their service lines to pave way for the project.

Three years ago, Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary James Macharia inspected the project, and issued a warning to the contractor that he risked being blacklisted for taking long to complete it.

The plan to have the road done was proposed in the 90’s but it  stalled following  political rivalry in the larger Kangema constituency between the late Cabinet Ministers John Michuki and Joseph Kamotho.

 It was revived again in August 2012 following the intervention of former Mathioya MP Clement Wambugu, after several false starts.

CS Macharia on-road inspection 

Three years ago, Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary James Macharia inspected the project, and issued a warning to the contractor that he risked being blacklisted for taking long to complete it. 

The  CS said construction of the Muranga to Mioro will  significantly impact the economic development  in Murang’a, especially the sub-county of Mathioya.

The project, he noted will end in the productive tea growing areas, whilst boosting trade and other commercial activities along the corridor.

“Further, it will mitigate the risks faced by families who may have sick relatives in terms of ease of access to health facilities,” he said. 

The Government of President Kenyatta committed to its completion and thus ease the suffering of residents who had to wait for more than 8 years.

The project  attracted high-level supervision  from Kenya Rural Roads Authority (Kerra) Eng Joseph Wanjohi and Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU)  official Ms Wamuyu  Gachanja to ensure timely completion.  Ends