The ongoing heavy rains across the country have resulted in widespread destruction, with floods rendering roads impassable and residential areas uninhabitable.
In the aftermath of the heavy flooding, sections of the Expressway, which stretches from Athi River in Machakos County to Westlands in Nairobi County, have been significantly impacted. Pillars supporting the structure have been left dangerously exposed due to erosion of the surrounding area and ground.
A video circulating online depicts the precarious condition of these pillars, with parts of them hanging and exposed as a result of the erosion.
Concerned citizens, alarmed by the situation, are calling on the relevant authorities to urgently address the issue and carry out repairs on the affected section of the Expressway, particularly as the floods persist in wreaking havoc along its path.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, a Civil engineer noted that every structural element requires a strong foundation to support the weight of materials used in construction and vehicles or people using the structure.
“For any structural element. There needs to be a strong foundation. That is why even for buildings, constructions need one to dig deep to create a good foundation. This is because the weight of the things used to build any structure needs good support,” she stated requesting to remain anonymous.
According to the engineer with vast experience in structural practice, the Expressway pillars are currently still intact, as such highways require a very deep foundation before the structures get erected.
She went on to explain that whatever was visible from the erosion was the pile caps, from which the columns are constructed.
“If there is a good foundation, it does not pose a risk immediately but over time it might be a risk because the pillars, despite having a good foundation, need support from the ground or soil around them.” the engineer explained.
She also recommended that relevant authorities make the required maintenance to ease the fears of concerned motorists and further maintain the structural integrity of the pillars and the Expressway.
Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen addressing recent flooding experienced along the Multi-billion highway revealed that it may have been constructed with design flaws.
"I asked why it flooded and it was because the drainage was blocked by waste, which they were unable to clean in good time.
"In a very short time, they sorted out that problem and that is appreciated. They also admitted that they may need to provide more drainage systems on the Expressway," he stated.
