Kenyans have raised concerns over dangerous debris and sparks falling from the ongoing construction of the Nairobi Expressway.
A video seen by kenyans.co.ke on Sunday, May 23, showed sparks fall onto lower-decker traffic and some pedestrians on a section along Waiyaki way.
The sparks originated from a welding process on the road construction works above Waiyaki Way.
In the 36-second video recorded by a motorist, the sparks are seen falling directly onto vehicles caught in the traffic snarl-up and pedestrians crossing the road near Westlands Roundabout.
The motorist is clearly shaken by the ordeal and opts for a safer route. This comes barely a fortnight after a vehicle plunged into a ditch at the Nyayo Stadium on May 13, 2021.
Kenya National Highway Authorities (KeNHA) has not issued any statement about the public concern over the matter.
The National Construction Authority (NCA) requires every construction site to have construction safety nets to cushion falling workers when they fall. In addition, they avoid possible harm to passing pedestrians caused by falling materials.
Construction sites are also required to have clear signage that will guide workers as well as road users and pedestrians.
Construction of the expressway has also led to damage of the drainage systems in sections of the road causing heavy flooding.
“We have initiated drainage improvement works at locations such as Nyayo Stadium roundabout to ensure the drainage remains free-flowing at all affected locations,” KeNHA revealed.
KeNHA, on May 18 issued a statement explaining the cause of the heavy traffic and apologizing for inconveniences brought about by the ongoing construction.
The 27.1km highway runs from Mlolongo through Uhuru Highway to James Gichuru Road on Waiyaki Way. According to Transport CS James Macharia, the project was 33% complete as of March.
The project is being constructed and financed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and will operate the highway under a public-private partnership.
Below is the video:
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