Kiambu County Government has embarked on a decongestion programme of Ruiru town through the expansion of the town roads and the construction of vehicle parking lots.
The programme entails tarmacking and expanding the narrow roads and putting up parking lots to hold over 250 vehicles.
It comes as a huge relief to motorists and residents who have been suffering and the frustrations from huge traffic snarl ups and failure to get parking spaces in the busy and fast growing town.
Speaking while launching the commencement of the projects in Ruiru town, Governor Dr James Nyoro, said the projects would redeem and change the face of the highly populous towns in the country.
He said the town’s plan needs to be re-evaluated as its former planners failed to factor in the growing population and industrialization.
The Governor said the huge traffic snarl-ups in the town and parking challenges restricted the town’s expansion programmes and frustrated investors.
“Ruiru is among the fastest growing towns in the country due its population and the explosion of industries and colleges. Despite this, it was poorly planned. Its narrow roads, water challenges and inadequate parking lots frustrate business people. We need to not only expand the roads, but also look for land to develop amenities,” he said.
He said they are working with the national government to duel the road that connects the town to the Thika Superhighway.
Other roads being tarmacked and expanded are access roads that connect the town to the Eastern By-Pass road and the Ruiru-Githunguri road among others.
He said industrialists are keen to invest in Ruiru town due to its proximity to Nairobi as well as its population of close to 500,000 residents.
On water challenges, Governor Nyoro said upon completion of the Kariminu2 dam in Gatundu North Sub County this year, the water challenges in Ruiru town will be solved.
“Ruiru’s population is choking on the available amenities essential services and therefore we need to re-plan fast. We hope to address water challenges once the Kariminu 2 dam in Gatundu North is complete. We have also completed a 150 bed capacity level 4 hospital as well as working on road expansion and street lighting programmes,” he said.
Residents led by Biashara ward MCA Elijah Njoroge welcomed the projects calling on the Governor to give more priority to development projects in the town to increase the county’s revenue base.
He said a developed Ruiru sub county is able to spur the county’s economy by attracting investments and offering jobs to locals.
By Muoki Charles
