The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) is on course to upgrade nine roads connecting Murang’a town to neighbouring areas and within the Murang’a town.
The project, which will cost about Sh1 billion in total, is targeted to improve infrastructure within the county headquarters and roads connecting the town and neighbouring areas.
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has underscored the project saying it would boost the status of Murang’a town and boost businesses and attract investors.
During public participation forums held at areas where the roads traverse on Monday, Nyoro argued that for many years, Murang’a town has lagged behind in terms of development due to poor infrastructure.
He observed the terrain where the town is located is hilly saying improvement and upgrading of infrastructure would ensure development advancement and make the county headquarter conducive destination for investments.
‘Already, construction of some of the roads has kicked off and we are targeting that before closure of this financial year
, some roads will be completed. These roads will be of great benefit to the people of Murang’a town and the surrounding environs since the value of land at the outskirts of the town will go up,’ stated Nyoro.
He added that upgrading of Mukuyu open air market was factored in the project saying cabros would be fitted in all pavements to enable traders conduct their businesses in a conducive environment.
‘Once the project is completed, the face of Murang’a town will change and more economic activities will come up thus helping our local people,’ he noted.
The legislator called upon people who were neighbouring the said roads to give way for the construction works saying the roads would be of great benefit to them.
‘Some residents may think construction of the roads will take up their land but the design ensures construction will be done on road land. No one’s land will be taken for the project. Majority of local residents have supported the project during ongoing public participation and without hindrances,
the project will be completed on specified time,’ he added.
Director of KURA Abdul Rashid explained that the project would provide employment for hundreds of local people.
He said they have instructed the contractors to give priority to locals when employing their workers.
Rashid urged the locals who have put up structures at road reserves to clear them so as to give a chance for upgrading the roads.
‘This is a big project which will transform the status of Murang’a town. We urge the locals not to think of objecting to the works through court suits. We want the roads to be done at the given period of town.
‘A year ago one of the local roads stalled after some residents blocked the construction by a court injunction. If you feel you are affected, seek help from KURA and local leadership but not to stop the works,’ appealed Rashid.
A local resident, Winfred Wangu lauded the project saying their land would be more valuable and locals would invest in residential premises at the outskirts of the town.
She a
rgued that some roads were impassable especially during the rainy season thus discouraging investments in the areas surrounding the town.
‘We appreciate the government for considering the development of this town. More investors will be attracted by improving infrastructure,’ she added.
Source: Kenya News Agency
