Embu Ward Representatives are set to benefit with Sh.350 million office complex following the commencement of construction works on the project.
According to Embu County Assembly Speaker Josiah Thiriku the County Assembly will save Sh60 million in the next five years after the construction of the office complex which will house all the MCAs.
Thiriku said that the County Assembly has been paying a total of sh12 million every year as rent to a landlord in Embu town for accommodation of the 33 MCAs and a section of the legislator’s personnel.
“Construction of a building permanently owned by the Assembly would save the taxpayer tens of millions of shillings in the long run,” Thiriku observed.
The Speaker said that the Sh. 350 Million contract was awarded to a local contractor to boost the economy of Embu County.
“I appeal to other County Government department to consider empowering Embu Contractors by awarding them such contracts,” he added.
Deputy Speaker Steve Simba lauded the County Assembly Service Board for considering allocating money for the construction of the office complex, adding that paying rent was not beneficial to the county as the same money could be used to construct an office block that was fully owned by the Assembly.
On his part, Majority Leader Michael Kariuki, also the MCA for Kithimu ward said it is unfortunate, Embu County Assembly was the only one countrywide renting office space terming the construction of the complex long overdue.
The main contractor Njiru Kamuti said he will start work immediately, adding that the government engineers had given a timeline of 104 weeks.
He also pledged to speed up the construction to one year given political goodwill, a conducive working environment and the necessary financial resources.
By Kimani Tirus
