• Gitau said all plans to have the project completed in six months have been laid.
• The engineer said the authority has installed speed bumps, rumble strips and a pedestrian crossing to enhance safety of road users.
Image: JOHN KAMAU
The construction of a footbridge at High Point area in Juja is set to begin next month, the government has announced.
The Sh400 million project, according to Kenya National Highways Authority engineers, will bring to an end the rising road carnages that have left scores nursing injuries and others dead while crossing the busy Thika Superhighway.
Speaking during a public participation forum on Saturday, Kenha Eng Francis Gitau said the authority has received numerous complaints of road mishaps that have been occurring in the area, hence the decision to instal the footbridge as a lasting solution.
Gitau said all plans to have the project completed in six months have been laid.
“Carnages in this area along the Thika Superhighway have been on a rising trajectory in the recent months and have been a major concern to us and the residents. This project is set to address these concerns,” he said.
The engineer said the authority has installed speed bumps, rumble strips and a pedestrian crossing to enhance safety of road users.
Gitau said the authority is also set to undertake other crucial projects in the area including the expansion of Juja flyover and construction of bus parks at Juja town and Kenyatta Road.
“The budget for these projects has been factored in the next financial year budget and works will commence immediately the funds are intact,” he said.
MP George Koimburi, who was represented by his aide Joseph Muraya, urged the government through Kenha to expedite commencement and completion of the project to end residents’ miseries.
“This project comes as a relief to thousands of residents living in Gachororo and High Point areas who were risking their lives crossing the Thika Superhighway. We are pleading with Kenha and the contractor to ensure the project is completed on time,” he said.
Muraya lobbied for menial jobs for youth in Gachororo and High Point areas, saying the project should benefit the local economy.
Residents said besides the deaths and injuries, many small businesses and boda boda operators had been adversely affected. They said the project will ease movement and boost trade in the area.
“Some 600 boda boda riders who were operating in this area had been rendered jobless but we are now optimistic that they will be back in their business," Juja boda boda chairman Peter Njoroge said.
"This project is a shot-in-the-arm for many small businesses whose hopes for thriving had started fading.”
Resident Sellah Muthoni said the project is also a relief to school children who had difficulties to cross the busy road while heading to and from school.
“Our children schooling at Gachororo primary and secondary schools will no longer put their lives on the line while crossing the road. We have always been worried about their safety,” she said.