Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi and Maara Constituency Member of Parliament Kareke Mbiuki have hit out at the government for failing to prioritize the re-designing of the Nithi bridge that has claimed the lives of hundreds of Kenyans since its construction in 1983.
“The President committed that once he takes over, within 6 months the bridge would be re-designed. Two years into his administration we are still being given promises over the same. Stop playing PR with the safety of our people,” the MP stated.
The four-time lawmaker asked the William Ruto-led administration to be accountable and act swiftly to deliver on the promises made.
“Last year, the then Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Kipchumba Murkomen met leaders from Tharaka Nithi on the request of the President and committed to re-design the bridge to reduce road carnage and said engineers were working on a design. The government should listen to the people’s demands,” Kareke noted.
He asked the government to reallocate money meant for other projects in Meru and Tharaka Nithi County and channel the funds towards the Nithi Bridge to avert more accidents.
“All pending projects in the region can wait. Let them focus on making the Nithi Bridge safe. In the national budget, we would like to see funds allocated for the same. We have lost a lot of lives and many families have been affected”, he said.
The Deputy Speaker claimed that some government agencies had been compromised, with implemented policies not being followed up.
He, however, Murungi added that President Ruto had tasked all departments to be accountable and responsible.
On road safety, Murungi called on road users and stakeholders to be responsible.
“KeNHA for example have placed signs and warnings all over but no one is there to follow up. Policies implemented by the government are not being followed up and NTSA is one of them. This government will not fail because of public servants. Everyone should carry their own cross. We have enough labour to replace compromised agencies in public service”, he said.
The two legislators asked the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to consider the construction of a dual carriage road from Makutano to Meru, to improve transport on the busy national highway.
They also reminded the government to take into consideration the roads in the region when implementing construction projects in the vast Mt Kenya region.
The event featured testimonials from past accident survivors and a recovery and emergency services drill by the Fire and Rescue Emergency Department from Tharaka Nithi County.
