Residents of Central Alego ward in Siaya have expressed fear of losing their lives while using a just rehabilitated bridge that cost the tax payer millions of shillings.
And the residents are now calling on relevant agencies to move in fast and investigate both the contractor and Siaya county government authorities for the poor workmanship on the bridge that connects Alego/Usonga and Ugunja constituencies, lamenting that despite having gobbled up more than nine million shillings, it was worse than it used to be before the rehabilitation.
Speaking to the media at Uhembo village, the villagers led by Edwin Onyango said they got a raw deal from the rehabilitation of the Wuoroya bridge, as the contractor not only did a shoddy work, but also reduced the size of the crossing.
“If this bridge is not re-done, a disaster is waiting to happen as people will fall and drown in this river,” said Onyango.
The villagers, among them boda boda operators, said that the contractor left the site without installing guard rails among other crucial amenities.
Area member of the county assembly, Leonard Oriaro who visited the bridge, expressed shock at the state of the bridge, a few months after rehabilitation.
Oriaro called on the county government to summon the contractor back to the site and ensure that he performs quality work.
“The bridge has to be raised above the water level and be properly reinforced if we are to avoid potential calamities along river Wuoroya,” said the MCA.
By Philip Onyango.
