Mathioya National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) will facilitate rehabilitation of several local feeder roads by closure of the current financial year.
Sh62 million from the kitty has been set aside to fund the programme where 12 roads connecting interior parts of the constituency are earmarked for a facelift.
The area MP Edwin Mugo has noted that the project will be implemented by the local NG-CDF in partnership with Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).
He underscored the rehabilitation of the feeder roads saying they were left in bad condition by rains experienced in the area recently.
Poor condition of the roads, Mugo explained, have occasionally paralyzed transportation of farm produce to markets especially when it rains.
“The project is slated to be completed by the end of this month. Several contractors have been assigned the work and locals will vet and approve their work before they are paid,” said the legislator when he launched excavation and installation of murram on the roads in the Iruri area on Monday.
He added that the programme would also provide employment to hundreds of young people and women, urging the government to consider adding more funds for the roads in the NG-CDF kitty.
“The locals will get job opportunities as we have instructed all the contractors to consider hiring area residents,” he further said.
Mathioya is an agricultural area and dilapidated roads have affected transportation of tea, coffee and horticultural produce to markets.
Meanwhile, Mugo assured local residents that in the next financial year, the government has allocated funds for completion of stalled roads in the area which were being upgraded to bitumen standards.
“There are several roads which were under construction and due to lack of funds the works had slowed down. Next financial year we will get money for rehabilitation of Mugeka-Kiriaini road, which currently is in pathetic condition. The Mau Mau Road which covers big parts of north of Mathioya will get allocated and be completed by the end of next year,” he added.
Mugo called for patience saying the government is working to get the needed funds for rehabilitation of local major roads.
On Finance Bill 2023, the MP said they were waiting to see what amendments the Parliamentary Committee on budget would present before the House.
“We want to see if the proposed changes by members of the public were done on the bill. If the bill will be favourable to common mwananchi, we will pass it but if it will add more burden to citizens, as an elected leader, I will follow the will of my electorate,” added Mugo.
By Bernard Munyao
