The Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) has given the way forward on the state of Mombasa road and Waiyaki way following the construction of the Nairobi Expressway after concerns were raised over its sorry state.
Speaking exclusively to Kenyans.co.ke, Samwel Kumba, the deputy director of corporate communications at KeNHA, set December 31, 2022, as deadline for all repairs to be completed on both roads.
Alluding to this, he affirmed that the contract between the government and Moja Expressway company- the company tasked with running the expressway, stipulated that it would cover all the damages on the lower roads at their own cost.
He added that the Authority would pile pressure on Moja Expressway to fast-track the repairs.
“The sections of the Mombasa road were damaged directly by the construction of the expressway. According to the contractual obligations, they are tasked with repairing the damages. “
“We have given them until the end of the year to complete the repairs. This means that along the expressway, any bit that Moja expressway damaged will be reinstated by them at their own cost,” he affirmed.
In addition, the KeNHA deputy director pointed out that other damages that were occasioned by the relocation of services along the road to pave way for the expressway were to be catered for by the respective government agencies.
“These services include the relocation of fibre optics, power lines, and water pipes, just to name a few. The process of relocation entailed digging hence the damage was done by government agencies.
“Therefore, we cannot compel them (Moja expressway) to do such repairs. That kind of damage can only be repaired by the respective government agencies,” he pointed out.
Kumba affirmed that KeNHA will also work with the December 31, 2022, deadline to ensure all repairs were done.
“This includes sorting out draining systems, walkways and footbridges but we are working with a limited budget.
“At the moment there are ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Transport and stakeholders to see how we can lobby for more funds but the deadline remains the same,” he noted.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE