- The Gwa Kairu-Murera road has been riddled with potholes giving residents nightmare.
- The MP announced plans by the government to tarmac Ha Wairimu- Fourways- Ruiru road.
Image: JOHN KAMAU
The government is re-carpeting a key road in Juja, Kiambu county, that has been in a dilapidated state for years.
The Gwa Kairu-Murera road has been riddled with potholes giving residents nightmare.
Locals have protested over the road and agitated for its construction.
The road connecting major estates within Murera coffee area was tarmacked during former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo’s era but got worn out a few months after its completion due to poor workmanship.
Juja MP George Koimburi, who spoke at Murera AIPCA Church on Sunday, said the road was initially under the Kiambu government but he lobbied for its takeover by the national government for re-carpeting and expansion.
“This road has been in a derelict state for a long time and this has curtailed more development and growth of this region. The national government has taken over and the repair works are ongoing. The road will also be expanded to ease mobility and attract more development,” he said.
The repair works have seen the road closed in sections, a situation that Koimburi insists is temporary as he urged residents to be patient.
The MP, who was accompanied by former Murera MCA John Wokabi, said repairs will ensure the road is done up to standard to facilitate better movement for social-economic developments.
“We anticipate that once the road is completed more investors will troop to this region, which has vast lands suitable for investments in industries and schools, among amenities. This will go a long way in boosting this area’s economy and create jobs for our youths,” he said.
The MP at the same time announced plans by the government to tarmac Ha Wairimu- Fourways- Ruiru road, which he said has been run down for years.
Wokabi lauded the repair works, saying that poor road network in the area had affected growth of the area and frustrated investors in various sectors such as hospitality and manufacturing.
“Investors have been shying away from this area because of the dilapidated roads. We, however, have high hopes that development and investments will boom in this region upon completion of this road," he said.
The road is rendered impassable during rainy seasons, cutting movement in and out of the vast estate.
“The contractor who constructed this road did a shoddy job. We have been suffering a lot especially when it rains because transport is usually disrupted in this area. We are, however, grateful because the state has announced its re-carpeting,” resident Michael Mwaura said.
John Kuria, a driver who operates in the area, said the road has been tormenting them during the rainy and dry seasons.
“Our vehicles have been wearing out forcing us to frequently visit the mechanic. This has seen us suffer huge losses in our business. We have been forced to hike fares to cater for the losses,” Kuria said.