The ongoing construction of a mega Sh680 million bridge across river Narok near the Narok GK Prison is expected to be completed in three months.
The construction of the bridge will provide an alternative access to the county commissioner’s office, county government offices, county assembly and the members of the public who seek services from the offices as they will have an alternative route to connect to the Maasai Mara University.
Narok County Commissioner Isaac Masinde who led the County Development and Implementation Coordination Committee (CDICC) to inspect the bridge said the opening up of the road will help reduce traffic snarl-ups in Narok town as motorists can easily connect to the Narok- Bomet Highway.
Construction of the bridge began in December last year and is among key projects being undertaken by Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) in the town at a cost of Sh. 680 Million.
The other projects being undertaken by KURA are: Improvement to Bitumen standard of 3.6 Kilometers of Kims Breeze- Polong’a road, 1.96 Kilometers of Olmarei Lang’ road, 0.74 Kilometers of ENSDA- Africa Hope road and 0.6 kilometers loop road at the county commissioner’s residence.
Masinde asked the Sinoe Construction Company that is making the bridge to stick to the timelines agreed upon and ensure they do quality work so that the bridge can serve generations to come.
“We want the project to be completed before the term of President Uhuru Kenyatta comes to an end because he is the one who started these projects,” he said.
The commissioner promised that the CDICC will return to the construction site by the end of March to inspect the extent of work done.
“The government engages only the contractors with a capacity to do the job given. This is why we expect the contractor to finish the job even though the payments are delayed,” he said.
KURA representative Engineer Samuel Abong’o said the major challenge the contractor is facing is the heavy downpour that is currently being experienced in the area.
He however expressed confidence that the work will be complete within the stipulated time to enhance the movement of the members of the public.
The bridge, according to the engineer, is 21 meters deep and 8 meters wide.
The business community, civil servants and the members of the public have lauded the bridge construction saying it is a flagship project in President Kenyatta’s legacy.
Angela Soile, a social worker at the Narok County Referral Hospital said those visiting the hospital from the Total estate, Maasai Mara University and Pulunga area will have a shorter alternative route.
By Ann Salaton
