Relief for Ruiru residents, motorists as construction of new link road begins
Construction of a road linking five wards in Ruiru, Kiambu County has began, giving relief to thousands of residents and motorists in area.
Starting from Kahawa Sukari off the Thika superhighway, the road is set to link up Kahawa Wendani, Githurai, Mwihoko and Mwiki wards with an estimated population of more than 500,000, and covering about 15 kilometers.
According to area MP Simon King’ara, the project which is funded through the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), will also involve rehabilitation of drainages ahead of the forthcoming rains that are expected to cause heavy flooding in the area.
King’ara who spoke when he inspected the commencement of the project at the Baringo Road section in Kahawa Sukari said phase one is scheduled to be completed in about two months and asked residents to bear with short-term inconveniences.
Photo by Oliver Musembi.
“We thank the locals for cooperating with the contractor who has already started the construction works which will inconvenience them for some time. I appeal to them to bear with the situation while road takes shape,” said King’ara.
The legislator said for long motorists and residents have been complaining about the poor state of the road which was mainly caused by lack of a proper drainage system.
He added that the new tarmac road will also serve as a bypass for vehicles plying the area and is expected to greatly ease traffic flow between Kahawa Sukari, Mwihoko, Mwiki and Githurai.
“Commuters from Thika road will now be able to access Mwihoko easily without having to go all the way to Githurai roundabout once the project is complete. The reverse will also be the case, it serves as a bypass,” King’ara pointed out.
The MP reiterated that he resolved to steer clear of politics so as to serve the electorate, maintaining that the time for politicking and campaigning is not yet due.
Residents welcomed the initiative saying it marks the end of clouds of dust during the dry season and muddy water pools whenever it rains.
A matatu operator Eliud Njenga said they incur huge losses on spare parts due to the potholed stretch of the road, while anticipating that this shall be a thing of the past once the project is done.
“We have been replacing coil springs and other suspension parts too frequently due to the rough sections of the road. The construction of the new road is good for us and we might even open more passenger routes after this,” said Njenga.
Ann Wangeci, a salonist also recounted how they lost business as clients were evading the area due to dust and also intermittent pools of dirty water.
