Kiambu: Two major roads in Kiambu County are finally slated for rehabilitation, a welcome development for residents who have endured years of their dilapidated condition. Governor Kimani Wamatangi has directed the reconstruction of the Kimbo-Matangini road in Theta Ward, Juja Sub-County, and the Thika Town Entrance-Garissa Junction Road, commonly known as Gatitu.
According to Kenya News Agency, the governor’s directive comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of the expenditure of nearly Sh500 million allocated for road projects in the county, with questions lingering on the efficacy of past investments. The two roads have been particularly highlighted due to their dilapidated state despite substantial funds having been allocated in the past for their maintenance and improvement.
Despite the expenditure of over Sh430 million during previous administrations, several key roads in Kiambu County remain in a deplorable state, causing significant hardship for residents. Speaking in Thika, during the handover ceremony of the Thika Industrial Smart City Report and Charter, the governor announced his administration’s commitment to the fresh tarmacking of several roads currently in a state of disrepair, while acknowledging the long-standing problems with the roads and the suffering endured by local residents.
He stated that he has already deployed engineers to conduct surveys and cost analyses for the proposed projects, a move that signalled efforts towards addressing the infrastructure challenges that have plagued the county. The governor also emphasized his administration’s dedication to improving the road network and ensuring that funds allocated for infrastructure development were used effectively.
Wamatangi criticised the substandard work carried out by previous administrations on the 4.7 km Kimbo-Matangini road, a critical transport artery in the county, highlighting the road’s importance while expressing his dissatisfaction with its current condition. According to the Auditor General’s report, the road has already cost the taxpayer over Sh300 million, raising serious questions about the value for money and the quality of the work previously undertaken.
This time round there will be transparency and accountability in the management of public funds allocated for road projects, he added. The governor further stated that the report highlighted a lack of crucial documentation, including project inspection reports and bills of quantities, hindering efforts to assess the value for money and the quality of the roadwork.
Residents are now demanding answers and calling for greater transparency in future infrastructure development, which highlights the need for proper monitoring mechanisms and documentation to ensure that public funds are used effectively and efficiently. The irregularities uncovered by the audit call to attention the importance of strict oversight measures that will prevent similar situations from occurring in the future, the governor explained.
Details about the timeline of the reconstruction projects, the source of funding, and the scope of work are expected to be released soon.