Implementation of road network projects in Nyamira County was encountering challenges including delayed funding and unfavorable weather conditions. Late release of funds from the National Treasury and heavy rains that pound the region were cited as some of the constraints hampering completion on time of the roads.
This comes as the county allocated sh. 65million for road construction in the current financial year. County Executive Committee Member in charge of roads docket, James Omwenga explained a total of 600 kilometers of roads was targeted for implementation in selected wards. Already 130 out of the phase one, 300 km of roads had been done, 100 km of which was on gravel, between March and June this year.
According to Omwenga, the projects were expected to be concluded by October 2021. Mechanical Transport Fund was contracted to execute the projects while local contractors had been engaged to do minor works including culverts installation. During the projects implementation, focus will be on feeder roads as new ones will also be opened.
The county had a high agricultural potential with impassible roads or lack of them hindering its full tapping. Tea green leaf often goes to waste at buying centers owing to inaccessibility by Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) ferrying trucks on rainy seasons.