Residents of Mwingi are concerned that the construction of Enziu River bridge is taking too long, exposing them to flash floods.
The short rains seem to be finally here and residents fear the river might swell and sweep away anyone attempting to cross it.
They want the building of the bridge completed as soon as possible.
The government launched construction of the bridge at a cost of Sh570 million in January.
The works were expected to be completed by the end of this year. It is now 58 days to the end of the year.
Only one pillar has been erected and it is still under construction.
The construction followed the death of more than 30 people who were in a bus that plunged into the river on December 4 last year.
The victims were mostly members of a church choir who were on their way to a wedding.
The deaths caused countrywide outrage and accusations of negligence from leaders.
The river flows across Nguni-Nuu road.
Mwingi Central MP Gideon Mulyungi says the contractor has taken too long and the works will not be completed on time.
Kiu Construction company won the contract to build the bridge.
Manzi Mwanzia, a local teacher and resident of Nguni, said the bridge is an essential.
He urged the national government to fast-track its construction so no more lives are lost.
“Following the prolonged drought, many are happy to see the rains but with mixed reactions, as the killer bridge has not been completed,” he said.
A number of people have lost their lives trying to cross the river.
Erick Odhiambo, a representative of Kiu Construction Ltd, said construction is going according to plan.
The rains will not stop the works, he said.
Eastern regional commissioner Evans Achoki visited the site in June and criticised the firm for being sluggish.
He directed the contractor to re-plan his work and start putting up visible structures in three months, which ended in September.
Faith Ndunge, who works at the construction site, said when it rains the river swells and residents have to wait for the water to recede before crossing.
Those who cross it, do so at their own risk, she said.
Ruth Mawia, another employee, said the bridge is of immense importance to the residents.
Edited by Josephine M. Mayuya
