The Homa Bay County Government has embarked on an extensive rehabilitation of rural access roads in a bid to spur economic activities.
Governor Cyprian Awiti said the County allocated Sh.579 million in the current financial year out of which each of the 40 wards will have a minimum of two roads improved.
Awiti awarded tender documents on Monday to 53 contractors who are going to construct the roads.
He said that the money includes Sh.280m from the county kitty dubbed ward based projects and Sh.299m from Road Maintenance Levy Fund from the Kenya Roads Board.
Some of the roads to be constructed include Kowuonda-Koga in Kanyadoto ward, Masakla-Otaro-Konuno-Chiga (Homa Bay East ward), Kogwang’-Ngulu- Paw Bwoye (Central Kasipul), Ramba –Opanga (Kabondo West ward), Simbi –Paul Mboya School (Central Karachuonyo ward) and Kirindo –Lambwe beach (Kasgunga).
Governor Awiti was accompanied by County Secretary, Isaiah Ogwe, County Executive Committee Members, Nicholas Koriko (Finance), Akoko Nyaoke (Roads), Aguko Juma (Agriculture) and the County Assembly Chairman for Ward based projects, Nicholas Owaka and Finance CEC, Noah Otieno.
The Governor said the construction starts immediately and will involve excavation, fixing culverts and murruming to make the roads motorable in all weather.
Awiti told contractors to do quality work to ensure the roads are durable.
“I want contractors to construct quality roads which can be used for more than five years in good state,” Awiti said. The Governor directed relevant departments to closely supervise the works and ensure the construction meets the required standards.
He said his main objective is to leave a legacy after expiry of his term in August 2022. “I am no longer interested in votes, but I am more concerned with implementation of development projects which will transform lives of our people,” he said.
The County Chief said the construction is expected to pacify residents who have been complaining of poor state of roads in their wards.
The Finance Executive Member, Nicholas Koriko pledged that his department will pay the contractors as soon as they complete their work well. “I urge our contractors to construct these roads quickly to enable residents move with ease,” said Koriko.
On his part, Owaka called on Awiti to increase the allocation of roads in the ward-based projects kitty from the current Sh. 7m to Sh. 14m per ward. “We want construction of these roads finished before the next rainy season begins,” Owaka said.
By Davis Langat
