The programme entails tarmacking and expanding the narrow roads, street lighting and construction of vehicle parking lots
Kiambu County government has, in partnership with the national government, started the expansion of roads, street lighting programmes and construction of vehicle parking lots in Ruiru to decongest the populous town.
The programme, which entails tarmacking and expanding the narrow roads, comes as a huge relief to motorists and residents who have been suffering the frustrations of traffic snarl-ups and failure to get parking spaces in the busy and fast-growing town.
Speaking while launching the projects in Ruiru town, Kiambu Governor James Nyoro said the town’s plan needs to be re-evaluated as its former planners failed to factor in the growing population and industrialisation.
The Governor said the huge traffic snarl-ups in the town and parking challenges restricted the town’s expansion programmes and frustrated investors.
“Ruiru is among the fastest-growing towns in the country due to its population and the explosion of industries and colleges. Despite this, it was poorly planned. Its narrow roads, water challenges and inadequate parking lots frustrate business people. We need to not only expand the roads but also look for land to develop amenities,” he said.
He said they are working with the national government to dual the road that connects the town to the Thika highway.
Others being tarmacked and expanded are access roads that connect the town to the Eastern By-Pass and the Ruiru-Githunguri road among others.
He said industrialists are keen to invest in Ruiru town due to its proximity to Nairobi as well as its population of close to 500,000 residents.
Governor Nyoro also said the town’s water challenges will also be over upon completion of the Kariminu II dam under construction in Gatundu North sub-county.
“Ruiru’s population is choking the available amenities for essential services and therefore we need to re-plan fast. We hope to address water challenges once the Kariminu II dam in Gatundu North is complete. We have also completed a 150-bed Level 4 hospital,” he said.
Source: My Gov