Governor Wangamati, county officials and Chinese firm inspect the site in readiness for construction launch
County calls for accountability, timeliness, and creation of equal job opportunities
Construction of the 6.5km Bungoma-Kanduyi-Musikoma dual carriageway is to start. It will cost Sh1.4 billion.
On Wednesday, Chinese firm officials inspected the site. They were accompanied by Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and county officials. This is one of the governor's flagship projects after he lobbied to have the national government surrender the upgrade to his administration.
Zhongmie Company Limited will complete the expansion and tarmacking in 24 months. It will cover Township, Khalaba and Musikoma wards. The road will have four lanes, with boda-boda and pedestrian lanes on either side.
The inspection was coordinated by the Roads, Infrastructure and Public Works department, led by executive Collins Mukhongo. The team visited Musikoma area — the entry point to Bungoma town from Mumias. They proceeded to areas designated for roundabouts, as well as Kanduyi where the dual carriageway links with the Nairobi-Malaba highway.
Wangamati said they will count on the contractor to ensure accountability, timeliness, and creation of equal job opportunities in the project.
“We live in a society of fake promises. It's up to us, leaders, to change that narrative. As we embark on this project, we must meet our deadlines, be accountable for the monies the public is investing in this project, and, most of all, let our people be part of the construction process through equal job opportunities. If it can be done by a local, then let it be done by a local," he said.
The Ford Kenya county chief said the road will boost transport and trade and open up the region to investment. The ripple effect will be felt in agriculture, healthcare and other aspects of the economy, he told residents.
“With the Kanduyi-Musikoma road, we are improving efficiency in access to social amenities, making the county viable for local and foreign investments, improvement in the movement of our agricultural produce as well as giving a face-lift to Bungoma town,” Wangamati said.
The county has provided a parcel in Musikoma to accommodate construction materials and machines. This is meant to enable the contractor to begin the work as soon as possible to meet the set timelines.