Construction of stalled Sh2bn Wundanyi road kicks off

 

The stalled Mtomwagodi-Msau-Mbale- Werugha-Mghange-Bura road has finally been handed over to a constructor.

Construction works are set to begin this month, Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako has revealed.

The Sh2 billion road is a key infrastructure in the region that will link rural Wundanyi villages to the Voi-Taveta –Holili highway, thus enabling horticultural and dairy farmers access to the Voi and Mombasa markets.

“At last we have handed over the Mtomwagodi-Msau-Mbale- Werugha-Mghange-Bura road to contractor Stecol Corporation,” Mwashako said.

The tarmacking of the historic 56km road was launched in 2017 by President Uhuru Kenyatta. Construction stalled since then, prompting uproar from a section of leaders from the region who accused the government of abandoning key infrastructure projects in the county.

While leading a delegation of government officials from KeRRA during the handover of the project to Stecol Corporation, Mwashako said completion of the road would make the area accessible to investors.

The legislator lamented that his constituency had been neglected in the past, leaving it with the worst road network in the region. He said residents struggle to access markets due to the hilly terrain of the region and that a new road would be a reward for their long suffering.

He was accompanied by Taita Taveta county commissioner Rhodah Onyancha, KeRRA project engineer John Githui and KeRRA regional director Bash Abdul, among others.

Mwashako insisted that the contractor should employ locals in construction work.

“We held a meeting to discuss various issues that need attention before work begins, including employment of our people at all levels and sourcing for raw materials locally,” Mwashako said.

To end the frequent power blackouts in Wundanyi town, Mwashako said the government has started construction of a  Sh425 million power station in the town.

He said the project is meant to transform the town to a business hub and attract investors.

Stecol Corporation deputy director Wang Yong Jum while receiving the site handover instructions committed to start the work as provided in the contract agreement.

“We are starting construction work this September as per the contract. Our team has received all the necessary handover documents,” he said.     BY THE STAR