As part of the on-going pilot scheme for the County Roads Maintenance Teams Project, the department of Roads and Public Works led by CEC Member Dr. Joyce Osogo was this week in Nyakach Sub-County to carry out inspection of the proposed roads to be managed under the scheme as well as inspection of the ongoing roadworks contracted under County Revenue and Kenya Roads Board funds.

Nyakach being one of the most affected Sub Counties by the recent floods, saw the suspension of all the ongoing roadworks because the deluge. The Sub-county accounts for a third of the 99 county roads worth 400M destroyed by the heavy floods experienced in the past few months. The machine-based road maintenance program currently on going in Muhoroni and Nyando will commence in Nyakach in the coming week. The program will see a total of 15 roads – 3 per Ward, maintained in the 7-day pilot period.

As part of engagement with the affected residents the County minister held a meeting with Sub County political leadership and residents. During a special meeting with members of East and Central Nyakach, whose project, Kadinda – Soko road stalled due to heavy rains and left the region literally cut off, the CEC promised speedy resolution and completion of the road.

In her address, Dr. Osogo sent a strong warning to contractors who had been ordered back to site to do so, failure to which their contracts will be terminated. She assured the residents that the era of briefcase contractors had come to an end with the commencement of Governor Nyong’o’s revolutionary Roads Maintenance Teams agenda, following the passing and enactment of the Roads Maintenance Act by the County Assembly.

Some of the roads earmarked for the pilot phase include Kadinda- Kandaria Polytechnic to Kandaria Dispensary access road in North Nyakach, Kodum – Ligusa access road in central Nyakach and Kong’ou – Sango Rota to Nyadina Dispensary access road in west nyakach among others.

Dr. Osogo stressed that only contractors with capacity and who have demonstrated timely project delivery will be considered for future projects.

As part of the department’s reorganization strategy for improved service delivery, Dr. Osogo directed that from this financial year, all the sub county technical staff – Engineers, Roads Inspectors and supervisors; who will be working closely with roads maintenance teams, will henceforth be stationed at the various sub county public works offices. This will position the officers closer to the public they serve.

In her meeting with the county political leadership the County Minister assured the MCAs of a collaborative engagement in actualization of the planned development agenda.

CECM Roads, Transport and Public works Dr. Joyce Osogo addressing Nyakach Sub County residents (Picture by David Wadulo)