Traders and leaders in Thika have protested against unending traffic snarl-ups within the CBD occasioned by a trench dug across a crucial road in the town.
The trench was dug by Thika Water and Sewerage Company along Bonjour roundabout - the main entrance to Thika town-two months ago as they fixed a waste water pipe.
Traders led by Thika Township ward rep Andrew Kimani and Thika District Business Association chairman Alfred Wanyoike said delays in fixing the damaged section of the road has caused heavy traffic in the town.
They spoke when they joined traders and boda boda riders in refilling the trench.
“The town is in chaos due to congestion. We have witnessed an increase in accidents, especially along Kenyatta Highway due to the mess occasioned by the damaged road. We have pleaded with the relevant authorities to fix the road but our pleas have fallen on deaf ears,” Kimani said.
“All we want is the damaged section to be fixed for the sake of motorists and to save businesses within the town which are suffering due to the crisis brought by this mess.”
TDBA chairman said traders have witnessed reduced number of clients due to traffic jams in the area.
“Traffic congestion is stretching all the way to Gatitu. Getting in and out of the town is a total crisis. Businesses are on a standstill because clients are relocating to other towns like Kenol and Juja. This is why we are demanding immediate action from the relevant authorities so that sanity and normalcy can be restored in our town,” Wanyoike said.
Motorists said traffic snarl-ups cause them untold suffering.
“From Gatitu to Thika town, a distance that takes only five minutes, one is now taking close to 45 minutes. This is inconveniencing motorists. It’d take only a day or two to fix the road,” motorist Lawrence Mugo said.
A letter written by Thika subcounty administrator David Nyoroku to members of the public indicated that the subcounty directorate of roads in conjunction with Thiwasco has commenced repair works on the damaged section. The letter said the work is expected to be completed by Friday.
“Geokarma Construction Ltd has been contracted to undertake the repair works. There will be diversions to guide the motorists,” the letter reads.
Edited by A.N
