The Elgeyo Marakwet County Development Implementation and Coordination Committee (CDICC) has called on the county government to review levy charged on each lorry ferrying sand for construction of roads in the county.
The committee chaired by the Keiyo North Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Joseph Chepkwony on behalf of the County Commissioner (CC), Dr. Ahmed Omar said the sh1, 000 per lorry was becoming financially untenable for contractors, especially because such monies were not factored during the process of bidding and tendering of the roads.
The committee was told it was not possible to factor in the said monies for roads being constructed by the national
government, since not all counties ask for the same.
The committee while appreciating the fact that counties need to raise revenue, noted that county can ask for a certain fixed amount instead of charging per lorry and should also consider the fact that the roads being constructed would benefit local residents.
The committee was on a tour of the 14kilometre Bugar-Chebiemit and the 18kilometre Kaplolo Kruger Farm roads,
which are under construction by the national government at a cost of Sh1.6 billion.
The resident engineer for the construction works Laban Ngigi assured the committee that the roads which
started in August 2015, will be completed as expected in February 2021.
The Chebiemit stretch has been a challenge to motorists especially when it rains as it was left out in between
the Iten Bugar and Chebiemit Kapsowar road which was tarmacked.
The engineer also assured the committee that the contractor will ensure that the diversions are well maintained during the expected rainy season to ensure that they are passable so that motorists don’t get stuck.
Eng. Ngigi said power lines and water lines on the road reserves were some of the physical challenges facing the project.
However, he said the contractor will work around the waterline saying its relocation would be expensive and would also affect the flow of water to Uasin Gishu County.
On his side, Engineer Winnie Tarus from Kenya Power said the two poles will be relocated within the next three weeks.
The County Presidential Delivery Unit Director, Duncan Mwariri said the meetings were crucial to ensure such issues which may derail implementation of projects are addressed to ensure projects are completed in time.
By Alice Wanjiru
