The Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) has been accused of designing roads without considering access to vital government facilities.
In Kisumu, the management of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOORTRH) has raised concern over inability of patients to directly access the level 5 hospital situated along the newly constructed Kisumu-Kakamega highway.
According to the facility Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Peter Okoth the situation has made direct access to the
hospital impossible.
“There was no provision made by the contractor, SBI International Holdings (K) for ambulances from the Central Business District to access the facility especially in emergency cases,” he complained.
“Ambulances have to drive all the way to the Kondele roundabout, about a kilometer away before turning to the hospital,” said Dr. Okoth.
Speaking during a meeting of Kisumu County Development Coordination and Implementation Committee chaired by County Commissioner (CC), Pauline Dolla, the CEO also wants small scale traders and matatu touts evicted from the hospital’s gate.
“We appeal to the government and the security agencies to help relocate hawkers and Public Service vehicles that have converted the gate as bus stage,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Okoth revealed that Managed Equipment Services (MES) donated by the National government to both JOOTRH and Kisumu County Hospital had greatly improved delivery of services in those facilities.
The County Commissioner asked officials from KeNHA who were present to consult with the contractor to have the anomaly addressed as soon as possible.
By George Kaiga