The government has terminated the contract of Westbuild Construction Limited that has been constructing of Gatunga-Marimanti-Ciakariga road initially.
Speaking during inspection of the road flanked by Marimanti MCA Susan Ngugi, Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki said very little work had been done for the last two years. The work has subsequently been given to a Chinese contractor.
“The government considered replacing him with the Chinese company due to laxity and I am glad the new contractor has done quite some good work,” Prof Kindiki said.
The Senate Deputy Speaker asked the former contractor to ensure that work paid for was delivered before leaving the site.
The new contractor has promised to wind up tarmacking the 26-kilometre road in a year’s time with staff set to be working on shifts.
Prof Kindiki noted that Jubilee government was committed to ensuring that all ongoing projects were completed within the required time.
In addition, he said President Uhuru Kenyatta-led government was committed to awarding contracts to locals but maintained that in case those selected were not willing to work as required, they would not hesitate to replace them with Chinese companies.
The senator said it was unfortunate that the local companies allowed to do business with the government were doing shoddy work.
“What is important is ensuring that work is done for the benefit of our people and as the government, we will not hesitate to fire lazy local contractors doing shoddy work,” the senator emphasized.
The Marimanti MCA said completion of the road would open up the area and enable residents to avail their farm produce for sale at the nearby towns.
“I am happy that we have a new contractor who has shown a lot of seriousness and we are hopeful that he will have finished all the work in a year’s time,” Ms. Ngugi said.
By Kenneth Marangu
