Residents of Kambakia in Imenti North Constituency who recently took to the streets to protest the poor state of the Threesteers–Kambakia road may soon have reason to smile after area MP Rahim Dawood announced that the long-awaited construction works are expected to begin soon.
Speaking during the farewell ceremony of Bishop Salesius Mugambi of the Catholic Diocese of Meru at Nkubu, Dawood sought to calm growing frustration among residents who recently complained about the deteriorating road network in the area.
Imenti North MP Rahim Dawood. Photo by Brian Gitonga
Responding to the concerns, Dawood said the delay was caused by the process of securing approval from the Ministry of Forestry to allow a section of the road to pass through forest land under a special user licence.
He revealed that residents had visited his office the previous Saturday seeking answers on why the project had delayed for so long, prompting him to explain the challenges that had slowed down the process.
“We had been waiting for approval from the Ministry of Forestry to allow the project to be advertised, and this week I received a letter from Principal Secretary Engineer Gitonga Mugambi authorising KURA and KeNHA to use a small section of the forest under a special user licence,” said Dawood.
The MP clarified that the arrangement would not lead to the degazettement of the forest, explaining that only a small section would be used to pave way for the road. He compared the process to the construction of the Meru bypass between Meru National Polytechnic and Giantune, where part of the forest land was similarly utilized without causing environmental destruction.
Imenti North MP Rahim Dawood (Right) shakes hands with Meru County Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia (left) during Bishop Salesius Mugambi farewell at Nkubu.Photo by Brian Gitonga
Dawood noted that the approval now clears one of the biggest hurdles that had stalled the project for months. He said that the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has already received the necessary documentation and that discussions with the agency’s leadership indicate that the project advertisement could happen soon under a World Bank-funded program.
“That letter has already been received by KURA and after speaking with the director general, he assured us that the advertisement for the road project will be done very soon under the World Bank program,” said Dawood.
The MP further disclosed that the project will not only benefit residents of Kambakia but will also improve connectivity in surrounding areas. He noted that once completed, the upgraded roads are expected to link Kambakia Police Station, Kambakia MCK, Gitoro Hospital, Willis Academy and KEMU, opening up the area for easier movement of people and goods.
Residents have in recent months piled pressure on leaders over the state of roads in the constituency, arguing that poor infrastructure has made transport expensive and slowed economic activities. Some motorists have also complained about frequent vehicle breakdowns caused by the damaged roads.
Dawood expressed confidence that construction works could commence before the end of May or in the first week of June. He also announced progress on another road project from Karumanthii near WhiteStar to the bypass, saying the tender has already been awarded and contractors are expected on site soon.
“Within this month or the first week of June, we expect works on the Karumanthii road heading to the bypass to begin because the tender has already been awarded,” said Dawood.
Imenti North MP Rahim Dawood. Photo by Brian Gitonga
In addition, the legislator also addressed the contentious issue of high water bills charged by Meru Water and Sewerage Services (MEWASS), which has sparked complaints among residents across parts of Imenti North.
He said discussions involving leaders, MEWASS officials and the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) have already begun with the aim of reviewing the tariffs. Dawood added that he has also spoken to Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia over the matter and expressed optimism that an agreement beneficial to residents would soon be reached.
“We have spoken with Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia and agreed that we should hold further discussions so that we arrive at tariffs that will not burden residents,” said Dawood.
