Potholed road tarmacked for Ksh200m rankles locals
By Mathew Ndungu, November 11, 2024
For over a decade, residents of Kimbo and Matangini villages in Juja, Kiambu county, have endured a seemingly endless struggle with their main road – a six-kilometre stretch riddled with potholes, mud and dust that turns their daily commutes into a nightmare.
What should be a short route connecting residents of the vast Theta ward to Thika Road has instead become a symbol of neglect and frustration, affecting livelihoods, safety and economic prospects for over 25,000 people.
Angered by inaction by the government, locals yesterday amplified their calls for the road to be repaired.
The busy road, tarmacked for Sh200 during the tenure of disgraced governor Ferdinand Waititu, is now an eyesore with large potholes that make it almost impassable. Motorists say driving on the road is difficult and dangerous especially when it rains as collected water makes the potholes invisible.
Shoddy tarmacking
While the road sought to end decades of transport woes and spur economic activities in the area, the tarmacking was shoddy and it started wearing out even before the contractor left the site, said road users, led by Duncan Mwangi.
Inadequate drainage channels, hurried compacting and low-grade tarmacking are among the reasons locals cited for the road’s derelict state.
“The road is in a pathetic state and as you have seen, this has become a breeding ground for guinea grass among other plants, which are mushrooming. We have been crying in vain for the road to be fixed,” said Mwangi.
Residents are worried about a blame game between the county and the national government over who is responsible for repairing the road.
According to Loise Njeri and Paul Njoroge, the road was initially tarmacked by the county government but after it began wearing out, it was moved to the national government for repair.
The local government, led by Kimani Wamatangi, later gravelled and re-compacted it, leaving locals unsure of who should address their grievances.
“This road is a vital lifeline for the community around it. Over 25,000 residents live here but due to its pathetic state, even businesses have started closing down,” said Njoroge.