Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure needs shs 18.7 billion to repair roads and bridges destroyed by the heavy rains experienced in many parts of the country.
Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Mr. James Macharia says that the money will be used to repair sections of roads and bridges which have been swept away by floods paralysing transport in some parts of the country.
Rural roads which fall under Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA), he observed were most affected by the rains adding that the damage done on the rural roads amounts to Sh. 13 billion.
Macharia noted that damage on roads in urban areas which are under Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) will cost Sh. 4. 5 billion to repair.
He added that the rains have also destroyed roads under the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) which need Sh. 3 billion to repair.
Macharia said the ministry has deployed engineers to do a thorough assessment on all roads and draw a roadmap on how they will be rehabilitated within the shortest period possible.
“The government is working on how to get the needed money to start rehabilitating our destroyed roads from next week and I want to assure Kenyans that the situation will be restored very soon,” added the CS.
Macharia was speaking at Gatare Forest which forms part of Aberdares forest in Murang’a on Saturday when he led various groups and organisations to plant trees.
“Rains are a blessing since some months back Kenyans were yearning for rains and the damage which has been brought by the heavy downpour will be rectified to restore efficient transportation,” said Macharia who was accompanied by Water principal secretary Mr. Joseph Irungu and Kigumo MP Wangari Mwaniki.
Rehabilitation of the roads, the CS said will start in areas where the rains have subsided saying in urban areas like in Nairobi, the works will continue despite the rains.
He further noted that the government also needs another Sh. 40 billion to upgrade rural roads to bitumen standards saying he expected the money to be factored in the next financial budget.
“Roads are very crucial in driving the economy of the country and that’s why the government is channeling a lot of funds in upgrading roads in different parts of the country.
Meanwhile the CS asked Kenyans to take the exercise of tree planting seriously and plant trees in their farms.
He said due to destruction of public forests, the country had experienced prolonged drought.
At Gatare forest, more than 3, 000 seedlings were planted by the Youth Forum of Kenya National Commission of UNESCO in support of Kenya Forest service.
The CEO of the commission Dr. Evelyn Njoka said her organisation is ready to give support for sustainability of environment.
Njoka said Aberdares forests need to be conserved to become one of the national heritage site noting that the planted trees need to be nurtured to maturity.
By Bernard Munyao
Government to start rehabilitating damaged roads, says Transport CS
