The government has released Sh7 billion for the reconstruction of Nithi Bridge, with works expected to commence in the coming weeks, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced.
Speaking on Wednesday, Kindiki said the new bridge will be constructed urgently to curb frequent accidents along the notorious black spot on the main road linking Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties.
“We needed Sh7 billion for the bridge and we now have the funds. The contractor will be here soon. The public was engaged for their input on Monday and I will be bringing the contractor to start construction soon,” he said.
The Deputy President made the remarks during an inspection tour of the ongoing construction of the Mikinduri-Kunati-Gatithini Road in Tigania East, Meru County.
He disclosed that the new structure will span 880 metres, making it one of the longest bridges in the region.
The bridge will link the Marima and Mitheru sections and is expected to significantly enhance safety for motorists using the busy corridor.
“We will have the longest bridge in this region. It will be 880m and will link Marima and Mitheru sections,” Kindiki added, noting that the design has prioritised safety standards to prevent further fatalities.
On broader infrastructure plans, the Deputy President said the expansion of the Makutano-Embu-Chuka-Meru-Maua Highway is underway, with construction of a dual carriageway set to begin before the end of the year.
“We are going to ensure this road is a dual carriageway and the construction will commence this year,” he said.
Kindiki further revealed that the government is pushing for the establishment of a National Infrastructure Fund to finance road construction and other large-scale projects across the country.
He stated that funds have already been allocated for the completion of more than 6,000 kilometres of roads nationally, including over 350 kilometres in Meru County.
According to the Deputy President, the government has settled Sh177 billion in pending bills owed to contractors, paving the way for stalled projects to resume.
“We now have adequate funds. We have paid all the contractors 177 billion shilling and they are back to complete the projects. By the next Christmas, we will have completed all the 6000kms of roads that had stalled for many years. On top of these roads, we have more money for new roads,” he declared.
He assured residents that the Mikinduri-Kunati-Gatithini Road, which had stalled for years, will be completed on schedule.
“We have 10 roads that stalled in Meru County which have been revived and are ongoing. We have funds and they are going to be completed on time,” he said.
The Deputy President also dismissed critics who claim the government has failed to deliver development in the region.
“Those saying the Ruto government has done nothing for the people of Meru will be ashamed because there is a lot of work going on. Those claiming to be friends of Meru people should tell them what they did when they were in power,” he said.
On miraa exports, Kindiki said the government has finalised plans to leverage the reopening of the Kenya-Somalia border to ease transportation of the crop.
“We will provide security for the miraa exportation through the Mandera, Liboi and Kiunga border points,” he revealed.
