There is big relief to the transport sector in Busia after KeNHA begins rehabilitation of the busy stretch along Busia-Kisumu highway.
Traffic congestion on the trunk road which connects the border town of Busia to the Great Lakes Region has been the order of the day occasioned by transit trucks that pile up awaiting clearance at the Busia One Stop Border Post (OSBP).
KeNHA has already opened up the road for construction, bush clearing and storm water drainage is ongoing signalling the implementation of the project. This comes after intense pressure from commuters, traders and Busia county government through Governor Sospeter Ojaamong to the National Government to rehabilitate the road.
The scope of work will involve expansion and recarpeting of the 40km highway from Amukura House to Ugunja in Siaya County.
KeNHA revealed that the stretch between the Korinda junction and Busia One Stop Border Post will undergo dualization.
Matatu sector and long-distance track drivers expressed their joy to the national government as they see a sign of hope after many years of lamenting over the bad state of the road and heavy traffic witnessed early in the morning and evening hours.
Ojaamong said it is a good start, noting that his government is going to engage the British High Commission who initiated the project, US Ambassador to Kenya, Trademark East Africa and any willing donor to extend the duallization of the busy highway.
“The Busia-Kisumu highway especially near the OSBP is in a pathetic state with county residents resorting to social media to condemn the county government and yet it’s managed by the National Government,” he said.
With expansion works already in progress many businessmen whose structures had encroached on reserve land including some leading hotels risk being pulled down although those affected have already received the notice to move prior to the exercise.
By Absalom Namwalo
