The government has invested Sh1.5billion in tarmacking 30 km access roads in Thika town as part of its ongoing infrastructural development.
The tarmacking is either complete or ongoing with another 20km being on the pipeline.
The move has eased congestion and opened up the busy industrial town whose roads had become deplorable over the years.
Thika MP Patrick Wainaina during a tour of Mt Kenya University-Kenyatta Highway link road that is being tarmacked Wednesday, said the new roads would improve accessibility and reduce cost of investment to the industrialists.
Most of the roads that are being tarmacked are used by heavy trailers to and from the industries, making them dilapidate fast. They have been expanded to a width of about 7.5 meters, with walkways.
The MP said through Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), contractors, all of whom are locals are under strict instructions to use durable technologies in order to construct roads that can last even up to 12 years.
Some of the roads whose tarmacking is ongoing include the BAT-Kiganjo and the Athena-Witeithie-Thika Super Highway; a bypass meant to ease congestion on the busy Thika-Garissa Highway.
Motorists said the new link roads would ease accessibility to various parts of the town, as well as save their vehicles that wear fast due to the deplorable roads.
Mwangi Muchue, a bodaboda operator said the roads had potholes and motorcycles used to get stuck during the rains. “It has been difficult to operate in some of the roads due to their deplorable state. It’s now convenient to get to our destinations,” said Peter Mwaura, a casual worker in one of the industries in the area.
The MP said street lights will be installed along the roads to enhance security and also create a 24 hour economy
By Muoki Charles
