The Kiambu government has begun the construction of a bridge that will link Juja and Ruiru subcounties.
The bridge across the Mukuyu River will connect Murera and Biashara wards and will cost Sh14 million.
Governor James Nyoro said it is expected to be completed by November. He spoke while inspecting the ongoing construction works.
Nyoro said that once completed, the bridge will ease access for residents connecting from Ruiru to Mugutha village in Juja, as well as Kiganjo and Githunguri roads.
Nyoro said the bridge will ease traffic congestion at Kimbo junction.
“Mugutha residents travelling to Ruiru town and vice versa have been spending close to an hour but once the bridge is complete it will only take them less than 15 minutes,” he said.
The governor said the bridge had stalled for close to eight years following differences between residents and the previous administrations, blaming the stalemate for the area's underdevelopment.
“Juja and Ruiru residents in this area will now witness more developments. This bridge will open this region for more investments due to accessibility and the economy will spur,” he said.
Murera Ward MCA John Wokabi revealed that over 30,000 residents residing in the ward will benefit from the project saying it will the suffering endured for years.
“My people have suffered for long travelling many kilometres to access Ruiru town which is just a stone throw away from our village. This is a godsend project,” Wokabi said.
He said residents have been using a makeshift bridge that has occasionally been swept by floodwaters when the river is swollen during rainy seasons.
“The makeshift bridge has exposed our people to many dangers including drowning in the river, thugs taking advantage and mugging residents early morning and evening. These predicaments will however come to an end,” Wokabi said.
He however pleaded with the county chief to ensure that the three-kilometre road linking the bridge and the village is tarmacked to improve mobility and also instal street lights for security purposes.
Residents expressed optimism that the bridge will bring them more fortunes.
“We are sure that land prices in our village will increase due to eased accessibility. The bridge will also open our villages to investments which will, in turn, employ our youths,” Simon Githua a resident said.
“We are grateful for the county government’s efforts to undertake this noble project.”
Nyoro also said the sinking of boreholes within Juja has been completed, saying water woes for residents will be a thing of the past.
He said the county government has drilled five boreholes in Nyacaba, Gachororo, Theta, Murera and Juja at Sh100 million.
The county chief said the region has experienced high population growth thereby overstretching the area water service provider, Ruiru Juja Water and Sewerage Company, hence the need to initiate projects geared towards addressing the scarcity.
“The boreholes will increase water supply to Juja homes and end the perennial water scarcity in the region,” he said.
The governor said his administration will also seek resources to add five more boreholes across the expansive subcounty especially in the remote and semi-arid areas including Muthaara, Juja Farm and Athi.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris