Nairobi: Residents of two wards in Laikipia County have a reason to celebrate after the county government launched construction of a crucial bridge linking six villages, ending four decades of waiting.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Sh12.4 million medium span bridge across River Sirimon will not only ease transport across Umande and Mukogodo East wards but will bring to an end drowning incidents that have characterized the area. While launching the project, Governor Joshua Irungu, who led a team of senior county officials, noted that for over forty years since the previous bridge was swept away by flood waters, locals have been traveling for up to eight kilometers to access a dispensary and a secondary school located a few meters across the ridge.
Governor Irungu stated, ”This bridge has been a nightmare for the residents over the years, connecting Kalalu and Umande. It has been so difficult due to lack of this bridge. As county, we are happy to launch it and it will be a game changer for the locals.” The bridge construction is set to be completed by June this year, bringing relief to traders, motorists, students, parents, and boda boda operators who have been relying on poorly constructed makeshift bridges that many times resulted in loss of life and properties.
The governor assured the affected residents of timely completion of the project, noting that the contractor is already on site and the money required was set aside during this financial year’s budget. Umande ward MCA Daniel Mugweru said that over the years, the lack of a bridge connecting the area had affected growth. Residents praised the project, noting that it was a major relief after years of suffering and walking long distances to access the main road.
Mary Muthoni, one of the residents, revealed that on several occasions, accidents had been witnessed due to the lack of a proper bridge. She added that following the launch, transporting farm produce to the market had also been made easy.
