Superior Homes Kenya has launched the construction of a Sh. 350 million modern roadside stopover complex at Sultan Hamud Town, along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, that will provide all-in-one safe and secure resting points for long-distance truck drivers.
Superior Homes Kenya CEO Shiv Arora said the move will contribute to the reduction of road accidents by providing fatigued truck drivers and motorists with safe and secure parking, a fuel station, decent and affordable accommodation, and a variety of affordable eateries.
“This Supastop, launched here in Makueni to promote road safety among the road users, will also have convenience stores, clean restrooms, clean showers, prayer rooms, a health facility, truck and other vehicle maintenance, repair, driver training, and logistics services all in one development,” said Arora, while speaking Tuesday during the launching of the facility at Sultan Hamud Makueni County.
He noted that fatigue among long-distance transit drivers is a major cause of most road accidents between heavy commercial vehicles and passenger buses that often result in losses of lives and properties estimated at millions of dollars every year.
Sultan Hamud is a major parking spot for long-distance drivers, with an estimated 300 trucks per night because it’s the centre of a 145-kilometre stretch between Mtito Andei and Salama.
Supastop is a pilot project implemented by Superior Homes Kenya in partnership with the Northern Corridor Transit and Transit Corridor Authority and Makueni County Government and is expected to be completed at the end of the year.
“Superior Homes is committed to providing self-contained service and rest point areas to truck drivers along the various transit routes within the country, with the development at Sultan Hamud being the pilot for a further 30 proposed locations along the Northern Corridor,” added Arora.
Arora also noted that the project also provides direct and indirect employment opportunities to communities around Sultan Hamud and its environs, which is a contribution to the people’s well-being.
“This project is expected to create numerous jobs in construction, operations, and maintenance. Through this project, we will be able to not only impact the logistics sector but the surrounding communities as well,” noted Arora.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. lauded Superior Homes Kenya for the timely and innovative initiative that will also help address the issue of driver fatigue, one of the biggest causes of road accidents.
“One of the biggest causes of road accidents is driver fatigue. When you offer long-distance transit drivers a secure parking spot and decent and affordable accommodation, as will happen here, they are sure of a good night’s sleep, and you will have a fresh and more alert driver on the road the following day,” said Mutula.
The governor said that road safety is a key agenda item for the county, noting that the administration is enforcing rules and guidelines to ensure our roads are safe for all.
The 1979 International Labour Organisation Hours of Work and Rest Periods (Road Transport) Convention requires that truck drivers should not exceed nine hours per day or 48 hours per week without rest.
By Ronald Rono
