Nairobi: A controversial bridge pitting Bobasi Constituency residents in Kisii County against their area MP, Innocent Obiri, leading to perennial demonstrations over its dilapidated state, has finally turned into a blessing after construction works were completed a few weeks ago.
According to Kenya News Agency, residents in the area have now applauded the collaboration between their area MP and the government agency, Kenya Rural Roads Agency (KeRRA), for finally allocating funds and constructing the River Nyamache Bridge. The bridge now eases movement between government offices, the local health centre, the church, and the local shopping centre, among others.
The bridge, located at Nyamache shopping center on the Kisii-Igare-Nyamache Road, was previously washed away by torrential floods, triggering persistent demonstrations over its poor condition and delays in reconstruction. Speaking at Nyamache town on Sunday, the residents said completion of the bridge had eased movement between government offices, including the police station, Deputy County Commissioner's office, and schools on one side, and the Kenya Medical Training College, the shopping centre, and neighboring locations on the other.
A bodaboda rider, Steven Nyakundi, explained how they previously used a wooden makeshift bridge to cross the River Nyamache, risking their lives in the process. He noted that the new bridge was now safe, enabling them to carry out their businesses smoothly with increased clientele. Samuel Mose, a teacher in a neighboring school, said his movement from home to school was now easier as he had to use the infrastructure to connect, and the duration to and from had reduced.
Another resident, Vincent Mairura, applauded MP Obiri and KeRRA for constructing a better bridge, saying the injuries incurred from falling while crossing the dangerous bridge, which was very common, and the lack of customers were now a thing of the past. Giving his update, MP Obiri explained that the bridge had broken down because it had outgrown its lifespan, having been built over 50 years ago. Obiri regretted that residents had taken long to access essential services, including at the County Development Fund office, after the bridge was washed away. He explained that the delay in building the vital infrastructure was due to delayed allocation of funds.
Obiri described the bridge as one of the best in the area, with a lifespan of between 75 to 100 years due to proper workmanship, quality reinforcement, and the use of proper materials like concrete and security measures. He noted that although the residents had suffered for long, they now stood to benefit from another bridge crossing the same river near the Nyamache Tea factory after the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) moved in to fund the project to complement the one done by KeRRA.
He said the contractor had already put up a sign and was mobilizing materials to ensure construction was completed within 4 to 6 months. The two bridges, he said, cost Sh25 million each, and they were bound to reduce travel time by 30 to 40 minutes. He applauded the residents for their patience, accusing his opponents of inciting them to discredit him following the delays. KeRRA contracted Uniplaxy Enterprises Limited to construct the bridge, while the contractor commencing the KURA bridge project is Nazco Engineering Limited.