Narok County Commissioner Evans Achoki has given a contractor grading the Ololulunga – Olmekenyo road a three-week ultimatum to complete work or risk prosecution by the Government.
Achoki who spoke after touring the road to inspect it yesterday wondered why the road was not complete four years after construction was started.
“The road’s construction began in January 2016 and to date the contractor is still on the site. This is very unacceptable as residents are suffering when transporting their produce to the market,” Achoki said.
The 20-kilometer stretch is being constructed by Trans-Nile Enterprises Limited at a cost of Sh644 Million under the supervision of Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).
Achoki who was accompanied by members of the County Development Implementation Coordination Committee (CDICC) said residents have raised concerns over the state of the road as it is impassable during the rainy seasons.
“The residents here have been wondering why the road is taking too long to be completed as they want to transport their produce to the market easily. I will visit this place after three weeks and if the road will not be complete, I will be forced to take action against the contractor,” he said.
KeRRA assistant Resident Engineer Charles Kwena said 85 percent of the road had been completed and expected the remaining bit to be completed by the end of the month.
He revealed that the road was supposed to be completed by the August 2018 but delayed because of adverse weather challenges as the area borders Maasai Mau forest.
“However, we have advised the contractor to speed up the progress when the weather is favourable and engage and maintain qualified staff to avoid further delays,” Kwena said.
Engineer Kwena also noted poor planning of operations by the contractor where they have advised him to improve on his operational plan so that plant and equipment are used adequately.
At the same time, the Assistant Resident Engineer said the authority is working on engaging a mobile weighbridge team to monitor the trucks using the road and ensure compliance on the maximum axle load permitted.
“We advise truck drivers not to overload their vehicles. The maximum weight we expect them to carry is not more than 10 tonnes. Those found overloading will be arrested and arraigned in court,” he reiterated.
The road is one of the five roads in the county that were launched by KeRRA for construction in the last five years.
by Ann Salaton
