Transport and Infrastructure CS James Macharia led a high-powered delegation from his ministry to inspect road construction projects in Gachie location of Kiambu County.
During the tour, Macharia lauded the contractor for the progress made since he took up the project saying the road was expected to change the face of the area and open it up for further development.
“Anytime I would come to Gachie and arrive at Kihara, I would get embarrassed by the poor state of your roads,” said the CS said as he addressed the residents at Kihara Market. I would remove the flag from my vehicle before driving on to inspect the state of the roads,” he continued.
It is from here that my ministry looked for a contractor who has been given firm instructions to upgrade the Power – Karura road within the shortest time possible.
Macharia said that there would be no launching of the project but only a commissioning of a complete tarmac road.
The project has been wholly funded by the Government of Kenya, with the contract for its execution being awarded to Sinohydro Corporation Limited.
“When we come for the launch, we will come with President Uhuru Kenyatta to officiate the ceremony,” the CS revealed.
Political leaders who were present lauded the project, saying that it would be of great benefit to the people of Gachie.
“These roads will help the local businesses,” observed the county Governor Dr. James Nyoro said, adding that “The Western by-pass will also open up Ndenderu, Kabete and several other parts of Kiambu to development.”
On his part, the county Senator Kimani Wamatangi who is also the Senate Chief Whip said that the road construction will improve property prices in the area.
“A plot of land in Nyari is worth Sh50 million because there are roads but in Gachie, the price goes down,” he said adding, “What we need in our area is not politics but development to create a better life for posterity.”
He further urged the CS to ensure that jobs created by the road construction project be awarded to the local youths to empower and stop them from depending on their aged parents.
By Duncan Mutwiri
