The face of Thika town CBD is set to improve after the commencement of recarpeting of major roads within its CBD this week, ending years of frustration caused by poor road network in the industrial town.
The over Sh 150 million project is being implemented by the National Government through the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) through the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP) in collaboration with Kiambu County Government.
Among the roads being recarpeted include Kenyatta highway from Total petrol station to Joy town secondary school, Upper road from KRA roundabout to Thika Stadium among others.
The project will end the tribulations that motorists have had to contend with over the years, maneuvering through the many pot-holed roads, which have frequently been blamed for the huge snarl-ups in the town’s CBD.
Besides the tarmac, other 100 streets lights within town and neighbouring estates will be rehabilitated to fully brighten the town whose streets had become dreaded at night due to darkness.
Traders and motorists welcomed the project saying it will give the town a new facelift and attract more investors.
Peter Mwangi, a matatu operator said the rejuvenated roads will prevent their matatus from wearing out fast as it was the case before.
“The last time the roads were this smooth was before devolution. Then, municipalities used to do some re-carpeting,” said Joseph Kabati, a resident.
Kiambu governor Dr. James Nyoro during a recent tour to inspect the recarpeting works assured the residents and that his administration will ensure that the town becomes a model municipality.
He dispelled notions by residents of Kiambu East region that he majorly implements projects in the upper region, where he hails from saying his administration has been fair in the sharing of projects.
“I have been in office for a few years and I ‘ve done a lot across the County. Those spreading such malicious rumours that I have neglected the lower region are only playing cheap politics. This is just the beginning and we hope by next year, Thika will regain its lost glory,” said Nyoro.
At the same time, the governor lashed out at the Thika MP Patrick Wainaina, whom he accused of unfairly taking credit for projects being implemented by the county government.
Early this month, Wainaina led a team of engineers from KURA where several roads to be recarpeted were selected, causing confusion among residents on who was actually implementing the project.
“Let the MP stick to his mandate of making laws, building classrooms and giving out bursaries using the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF),” said Nyoro, amid speculations that Wainaina is seeking to oust him as the governor come the 2022 general elections.
Other than the project, the national government has also given the town another Sh700 million for road recarpeting project targeting access and link roads.
by Muoki Charles
