Movement between Kianjagi sub-location to Chogoria town in Tharaka Nithi County has been eased through the construction of the 23-kilometer Chogoria- Weru road that is meant to boost transportation of goods, people and services.
The road which is 9.3-km complete will cost Sh978 million and is set to serve a moderate population with the majority practicing small-scale farming as the main rural economic activity.
In addition, Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) is currently constructing seven road projects including a bridge worth Sh6.5 billion in the county.
Addressing the media after a series of project site visits in the county, Government Spokesman Col.(Rtd) Cyrus Oguna said with the construction of such roads the country is a step forward to achieving its vision 2030 agenda.
The Spokesman noted that the road will boost the transportation of goods, people and services from one area to another.
“As a country we are a step forward to attaining Vision 2030 and move from developing country to a middle level economy with good roads for transportation of goods, people and services,” he said
Oguna revealed that the government is working on expanding more roads all over the country to boost transportation of goods, which is key to economic growth.
He further disclosed that KeRRA roads are meant to help the common mwananchi in the devolved units to transport their goods to the markets and other counties to expand their market reach.
The spokesperson appreciated KeRRA for the construction works done in the county, which will boost farmers and businessmen’s livelihood.
The government is keen on boosting development, he noted, adding that once the projects are completed movement of goods to and from Nairobi will also be eased.
Tharaka Nithi KeRRA regional director Engineer Ochai revealed they are currently undertaking seven road projects out of which one is a bridge in Tharaka Constituency worth Sh6.5 billion.
He further disclosed that the roads will cover a distance of 159km with 75km almost completed.
“This project will cover 159km out of which 75 km is at the black top level and almost completed,” he said
He also revealed that 9.3 kilometers of the 23-km Chogoria-Weru road has been completed.
Kianjagi sub-location Assistant Chief Victor Gitonga said the road has eased movement of goods such as banana to the market as well as transportation of people to the hospital
Residents also lauded the construction of the road saying it has now boosted transportation of coffee produce from the farm to the market.
“We used longer routes to transport goods from here to Chogoria town, it was time consuming and tiring but now we can easily transport goods including coffee since we have a plantation here,” he said.
By Sharon Gitau
