Tharaka Nithi residents are set to benefit from a Sh9 billion road project that is meant to ease transport in arid and semi-arid areas.
The project dubbed “Climate Proofed Rural Roads Project” was proposed in 2017 to connect areas that receive low rainfall to their county headquarters.
It is funded by the French government, the European Union, and the Government of Kenya and will cover six counties, which are Meru, Laikipia, Samburu, Marsabit, Isiolo, and Tharaka-Nithi.
The project, expected to cost Sh9 billion with Tharaka Nithi receiving a total of Sh1.5 billion that will construct approximately 81km roads across the County.
Speaking in his office at Chuka town during a consultative meeting with Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) officials and engineers, Tharaka Nithi governor Muthomi Njuki said the project is expected to last for a period of three years.
The governor disclosed that in 2017 the proposed projects included Marima-Makutano-Kathwana and Kibugua-Itugururu-Murigi roads but added that Kithaga- Kamanyaki-Kamarandi road was later included in the budget.
“This program aims to ensure that the three constituencies have easy access to the county headquarters in Kathwana. As a county we have received Sh1.5 billion and we will ensure we complete the project within 3 years,” Njuki said.
Additionally, the governor disclosed another project termed “Mau Mau road projects” that is meant to tarmac Kibugua- Murigi to ensure improved access to social amenities.
Furthermore, Njuki revealed that the county airstrip in Itugururu is set to be implemented in two years.
“We have 800 meters of land but according to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, an airstrip should comprise of 1.5km and therefore we need 700 meters more to complete the project,” he said
Engineer George Rowa of KeRRA said that there will be training for the local consultants and technicians for both KeRRA and government officials from the six counties.
The training will offer business consultancy for companies to ensure good management of funds and smooth running of the construction program.
By Beatrice Mwende
