Jama launches upgrade of Garissa town access roads to tarmac

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has launched the upgrading of the Garissa town access roads to tarmac.

The roads include the 400 metres Sankuri Junction - KMTC - Prison - Qorahey Market Road and the 400 metres Equity Roundabout - Prison - Qorahey Market Road.

Jama on Saturday said his administration is committed to making sure all road networks within the municipality and its environs are upgraded.

The upgrade will also include installation of integrated solar lights, drainage and footpaths.

This will enable pedestrians and motorists move freely without fear of getting mugged and traders to operate for longer hours.

The two access roads are being funded by the World Bank under the Kenya Urban Support Programme.

The governor said improvement and maintenance of the existing road network will also benefit the community through easing access to social, education, markets and health services.

“Road users across the county will benefit from the roads upgrade and maintenance through lesser travelling hours and reduced vehicle operating costs,” he said.

Jama also commended the World Bank team for its technical support towards the construction of roads and other public utilities in the county.

He said the move will go a long way in opening up the road network in Garissa county.

The governor also called on the two contractors to adhere to the specifications and complete the works within the set timeline of six months.

“In 2013, I re-carpeted Kismayu road, which is the busiest road in this town and up to today, it does not have even a single pothole. Those are the standards that I want you to uphold,” he said

Jama further said the county would rename some of the major streets in Garissa town to adopt names, which bring pride to the people.

“We will do away with street names like Miraa Road and seek to rename them after some of our own heroes and heroines,” he said.

In his inaugural speech during his swearing in ceremony, the governor promised to rehabilitate and maintain existing but neglected county roads, drifts and culverts.

He further promised to support the farmers along River Tana by opening up neglected farm land access roads, as well as lobby the national government to hasten construction of the A3 Garissa-Liboi road.

The governor further promised to work with the national government to change the Garissa-Kismayu road to dual carriage.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)