Residents can't wait to use Sh14 million Juja bridge

Juja and Ruiru residents can now heave a sigh of relief as the construction of a crucial bridge that will link the two subcounties nears completion.

The bridge across the Mukuyu River will connect Murera and Biashara wards in Juja and Ruiru respectively. The Sh14 million project is being financed by the Kiambu government and should be complete in a month’s time, according to Governor James Nyoro

Nyoro on Monday 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. He inspected the construction works. 

Nyoro said the bridge will ease traffic congestion at the Kimbo junction as residents will easily access Ruiru.

“Mugutha residents travelling to Ruiru town and vice versa have been spending close to an hour, but once the bridge is completed, it will only take them less than 15 minutes,” he said.

The bridge had stalled for close to eight years after residents differed with the first county administration. Nyoro blamed the delay for the area's underdevelopment.

“Juja and Ruiru residents living in this area will now witness more development. This bridge will open up this region for more investment due to accessibility and in the near future, this region’s economy will spur.”

Murera MCA John Wokabi said more than 30,000 residents of his ward will be the major beneficiaries as they have endured untold suffering due to movement challenges.

“My people have suffered for long travelling many kilometres to access Ruiru town, which is just a stone's throw away from our village. This is a true godsend project,” he said.

Residents have been using makeshift structures that have been occasionally been swept away 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 have also been taking advantage of the situation and mugging residents early morning and in the evening. These predicaments will, however, end,” Wokabi said.

He pleaded with the county government to tarmac the three-kilometre road linking the bridge and the village to improve mobility and instal street lights to boost security.

Residents expressed optimism that the bridge will be a game-changer.

“We are sure the land prices in our village will increase because of eased accessibility. The bridge will also open up our villages to investment, which, in turn, will provide employment for our youths. We are grateful for the county government’s efforts to undertake this noble project,” Simon Githua said.

Governor Nyoro said his administration has also started building the Ndarasha bridge in Theta. It has been in a deplorable state for years.

Nyoro said the county government has sourced funds for the project, hence the bridge will be ready for use in three months.

Theta MCA Kuria Karema, who accompanied the governor, said the bridge, previously referred to by residents as the bridge of death because of its dangerous state, had claimed many lives, especially during rainy seasons.

“During heavy rains, our children don’t go to school, businesses suffer huge losses because residents cannot cross the river. However, this will be a thing of the past. The project is a godsend and we are grateful,” Karema said.