Tarmacking of the 24-km Gatuanyaga-Muguga-Munyu-Komo road in Thika East Sub County, the main link road in the area that stalled almost a year ago, has been relaunched.
The resumption of work on the Sh1 billion project comes as a huge boost to residents who have been complaining over the poor state of the road over the past two years. Its tarmacking began in August 2021 and was expected to run for 30 months before it stalled.
Speaking during the relaunch, Thika MP Ms. Alice Ng’ang’a said the road stalled due to a lack of funds, adding that the Infrastructure Ministry has promised to release funds to complete the project.
She said engineers from the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) are on site to establish the remaining works and ascertain the resources required for its completion.
“The stalling of the road, being the main link road in the sub-county, was unfortunate. However, the Infrastructure Ministry has committed to funding the remaining sections, and we hope works will be completed on time this time around,” Ng’ang’a said.
She noted that the road is crucial as it will open up the region to investment, boost trade, and spur the region’s economy. The road has been dilapidated due to the many heavy trucks that ferry building stones from the local quarries.
“Expect land prices in Thika East villages to triple once the road is complete because accessibility to Thika town will be eased. The area has massive tracts that are suitable for industries and therefore will attract more investors,” Ng’ang’a said.
KURA Central Region Director Eng. Antony Mwai said once the scope of the remaining work is established, work will continue as per the earlier specifications.
“We were here in 2020 to launch the tarmacking of the road. Some sections have been done, though a large section is yet to be done. We have been hearing complaints from residents that the road has stalled. However, we hope to complete the work on time,” said Mwai.
Motorists plying the area, led by Peter Muchiri, decried the huge losses they have been incurring due to the deplorable state of the road.
“We hardly go for a week without visiting the mechanic. The cost of repairing and maintaining our vehicles has become quite high. Most drivers have even pulled their vehicles off this route due to high wear and tear. We hope it will be completed on time,” said Muchiri.
By Muoki Charles
