THE Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya yesterday stormed the Kenya Rural Roads Authority and Kenya Urban Roads Authority offices in Mombasa to demand answers about the pathetic condition of roads. Council officials led by nominated MP Sheikh Mohamed Dhor caught managers of the two authorities by surprise.
Dhor who is also the council’s secretary-general said condition of roads in the area was so bad that Mombasa residents had lost confidence in the Roads ministry. “We don’t have roads in Mombasa but remains of roads. This city has lost its beauty and comfort because of the poor roads. It has affected the economic status, tourism and public movement including emergencies. Someone somewhere has failed and that is why we want answers,” said Dhor.
The cleric demanded to be told the names of the road contractor who he said had done the worst job seen ever. The council also wanted to know the plans the two authorities had to improve the roads condition including the congestion at the Kenya Port Authority partly blamed on the poor roads.
CIPK secretary general Sheikh Mohammed Khalifa said Mombasa residents are tax payers like everyone else and called for action on the roads. “Our roads have turned into fish ponds, we only need to bring in fish and start rearing. This is bad and immediate response is needed to bring back Mombasa to where it deserves,” said Khalifa.
Kura regional manager Ibrahim Munene urged the residents to be patient for a few weeks assuring them the roads will be improved. “We have Sh240 million for 80 roads in Mombasa county. Things will improve soon. Three contractors have already been identified. We will also give the contracts to the locals,” said Munene. Sheikh Dhor said the council will form a special committee to follow up on the progress.
