Uasin gishu: Uasin Gishu County Government has bolstered steps to boost efficiency in infrastructure development across the county by establishing an asphalt plant at a cost of Sh100 million. With all procurement processes done, the County recently received key components for the establishment of an asphalt plant. These include parts forming the main asphalt unit, such as a wet scrubber, fuel tank, road construction machinery, trommel machines, asphalt tanks, mineral filler, and a four-bin feeder. The works progress currently stands at 50 percent, with the only part remaining being mounting and civil works for the game changer plant to become fully operational.
According to Kenya News Agency, Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim said his administration has put up measures to ensure effective operations of the asphalt processing plant, which is being set up in the Baharini area, Turbo Sub County. 'It will enable us to have reliable road infrastructure to grow the economy as envisioned under my development agenda number six on infrastructure development,' he said. The County Boss underscored that the asphalt plant would not only help to enhance the effectiveness in the construction of infrastructure projects by producing the asphalt mixtures essential for building and maintaining roads and other paved surfaces at an affordable price but would also stimulate local economic activities.
He affirmed his administration's commitment to ensuring improved road networks for posterity to enhance access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities, fostering economic growth and social development. 'The impact of this major project extends beyond reducing the cost of construction and maintaining roads. We want our farmers to transport their produce more efficiently, businesses to have better access to customers, and students to attend school without the hindrances of poor road conditions,' explained Dr. Bii.
'My administration is dedicated to transparency, accountability, and effective leadership, as further demonstrated by the over thirty bridges and box culverts we have completed. My administration will continue to take bold steps to grow the economy and help ease the movement of goods and services from one point to the other,' he reiterated.
County Executive for Roads Dr. Abraham Serem commended the new development, which marks a major milestone for the county administration, as it aims to cut tarmac road construction costs by approximately 50 percent, freeing up funds for other development initiatives. As outlined in the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027 under sector programmes, the county plans to establish an asphalt plant to upgrade roads to bitumen standards. Governor Bii's manifesto, under Pillar No. 6 on Infrastructure Development and Public Works, commits to upgrading and maintaining all county road networks to all-weather standards.
'This plant will be installed in the Baharini area and will significantly enhance road construction and maintenance, including graveling and tarmacking, in line with the Governor's vision for smoother, safer, and more efficient transportation networks across the county,' explained Dr. Serem.
Chief Officer for Roads Geoffrey Tanui noted that the project is expected to stimulate local economic activity by creating jobs in plant operations, construction, and maintenance. Additionally, the plant will ensure a consistent supply of asphalt for local projects, reducing dependency on external sources. Kiplombe area Chief William Koros said the completion of the asphalt plant will provide local employment opportunities in various roles, from plant operations to construction and maintenance. 'We have ensured the location is protected from encroachment and we are optimistic that the project will be successful,' he stated.
The new chapter and a symbol of transformation in road construction is a welcome development to the residents across the county of Uasin Gishu to see more roads being tarmacked faster than ever, construction cost will drop by up to 50 percent, jobs will be created for our hard-working youth and finally every sub-county and village will feel the progress in terms of better roads, better movement and better life. Jeremiah Ronoh, a resident of Uasin Gishu, lauded the new county-owned asphalt plant noting it would boost its efforts to uplift the deteriorated state of the roads, especially in the farmland areas that had made it difficult for farmers to transport their produce to market, leading to significant losses.
The transformative development comes at the right time, as the Uasin Gishu county government, through the Department of Roads, Transport, and Public Works, has accelerated road infrastructure development projects across all wards to improve the road network and foster growth despite challenges posed by ongoing heavy rains.