Frequent terror attacks
in Lamu and Tanariver counties have adversely affected the construction of the Sh10 billion Garsen-Witu-Lamu road.
The project is among the Sh 40 billion road infrastructure project in three Coast counties initiated by the Jubilee administration.
The al-Shabaab militants have been making deadly raids in these areas, causing
delays on the roadworks.
Transport and Infrastructure Principal secretary John Mosonic who toured the projects on Saturday, said more officers
have been deployed to ensure
smooth flow of the construction.
He said the contractor
has been unable to complete the 607 kilometres within the time set due to insecurity.
The project was expected to take up to
only two years.
Engineer Mosonic together with Kenya National Highway Authority (KENHA) Director General Peter Mudinia said the government has increased security patrols along the road to ensure safety is guaranteed for the workers.
The PS said the Jubilee administration has invested heavily in Kilifi, Lamu, Mandera and Tanariver counties.
Officials from the H YOUNG limited who are constructing the Garsen Witu Mokowe road said only five per cent of the road had been done since January.
Among the roads the PS
inspected include, 110 Kilometer Malindi-Salagate Road, 36 KM Marikebuni- Marafa Road, and 6.7 kilometres Sabaki-Marikebuni Road Project.
“Out of the 607 kilometres of the road under construction in the four counties, Kilifi county alone has benefited from 205 kilometres of the road at a cost of Sh9 billion,’’ he said.
Currently, he said 30 Kilometres out of the 110 kilometres have so far been tarmacked along the Malindi Salagate road.
He said other key roads under construction include the Sh 1.25 billion Madogo-Bura-Hola roads and Sh582 million Garsen-Hola Road that are set to be completed in two years.
At the national level, Mosonic said the government had constructed more than 2,600 kilometres of tarmac in the last four years.
