Residents along the newly tarmacked road leading to Rukuriri, Embu, are elated by the completion of the project saying the route has been a source of agony for transporters and travellers for many years.
They heaped praise on President William Ruto for honouring his promise when he toured the area in 2022, saying the newly opened road is going to boost the local economy and improve livelihoods in the region.
Speaking during an interview, veteran boda boda rider and driver Samuel Muriithi Ndwiga said the road had for decades caused suffering to motorists due to its poor condition before the ongoing upgrade works.
Ndwiga, who has worked in the transport sector for more than 15 years, said that frequent vehicle breakdowns were once the norm due to the rough terrain.
“To tell the truth, we really suffered before this road was tarmacked. You would buy a spring for your motorbike and within one week it would already be broken,” he said.
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He noted that the new tarmac road has significantly eased movement for both motorists and pedestrians, describing the transformation as something many residents had once considered impossible.
“We now have a tarmac road that once seemed like a dream. Today, you can comfortably walk from here to Rukuriri wearing sandals,” he said.
The boda boda operator expressed gratitude to President William Ruto’s administration, saying the road project had brought visible development to the area and improved livelihoods for local residents.
“As boda boda operators, we are very excited because this road has helped us greatly. Transport is now easier and business is improving,” he added.
However, Ndwiga also raised concerns over drainage infrastructure along the road, warning that inadequate culverts could expose the road to destruction during heavy rains.
“People are complaining that the contractor built only a few culverts. When it rains heavily, the water may overflow onto the road and damage it. Enough culverts should have been constructed to ensure proper drainage,” he said.
He further cited other ongoing government projects in the region, including a Sh200 million investment at a local polytechnic, as evidence that the area was benefiting from national development programmes.
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“We can clearly see development with our own eyes. That is why many people here feel this government is working for them,” he stated.
Ndwiga also commended Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki for frequently visiting the region and updating residents on government projects, saying local leaders had fulfilled promises made during previous visits.
Residents say the improved road network is expected to enhance trade, reduce transport costs, and improve access to markets, schools and health facilities across the region.
They further indicated that they prefer what the government is doing in their regional development to engagement in political squabbles.
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