Turkana County Government is committed to ensure there are improved roads across the County to boost transport and ease access to County facilities in obtaining services.
County executive committee member for infrastructure Philip Aemun emphasised that the County Government through the leadership of Governor Josphat Nanok is keen on ensuring county roads are well maintained to allow for easy provision of services to all county residents.
He was speaking at the handing over event of the proposed maintenance of the 58Km Kaikor junction- Karubangorok-Kotome bridge- Napak A Lowasa road in Turkana North to the contractor.
The CECM highlighted that the County Government has several projects ranging from ECDE’s, health facilities, water points, markets, resettlement areas, among others which can function and serve residents well with accessible roads to the facilities.
He expounded that the Kaikor to Napak A Lowasa road is a critical road and an investment that Governor Nanok is committed to ensure it is well implemented to have it in good condition to support trade and especially livestock trade at the Kaikor sale yard.
He added, “that the road will boost security response and patrols and will help to curb insecurity in the region.”
Chief Officer Infrastructure and Transport Rosemary Nchinyei stated that by boosting trade and access to government facilities, the project will lead to improved livelihood of the locals.
Aemun went further to explain that the contracted project includes repair and maintenance works at the Koteme bridge which is along the road.
He said the bridge has been affected by rains which left it hanging adding that works will be done at the bridge to have it connected to the road. “This works, he said, will be climate proof to prevent further erosions to the river bank by rain waters,” he said.
Scope of works on the road include; 58km light grading, 3km gravelling at loose sections on the road and light bush clearing along the road. At the bridge, there will be extension of bridge cells to the river bank and river protection on both upstream and downstream using gabions.
Apart from the handing over event, CECM Aemun together with Chief officer Nchinyei and staff from county department of Infrastructure, Transport and Public Works and other county officials inspected ongoing maintenance works at the Napak hill road.
The contractor for this project was tasked to complete the project within the contract period and to ensure quality works achieved for project sustainability.
By Peter Gitonga
