Residents in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County, have expressed concern about a Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) electricity pole that is inside Maasai Lodge-Rimpa Road near the SGR station in Kandisi.
The residents, who have taken to social media to voice their concern, say the pole, which is still standing in the middle of the road, compromises the safety of motorists and pedestrians using the road.
In a social media post, Rongai residents questioned how the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) and the contractor responsible for the construction of the road are managing to excavate and tarmac the road without first ensuring that the pole was safely removed out of the way.
The residents have now urged the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to take quick action and remove and relocate the electricity pole so that the road can be constructed and used safely.
"This is dangerous to motorists. KPLC should remove this post near SGR Kandisi to allow good construction of the Maasai Lodge Rimpa Road. By the way, how did the contractor excavate the road with posts on the road?" the residents questioned.
The construction of the road, which is aimed at easing traffic congestion in Rongai and also neighbouring areas such as Twala, commenced in June this year and is still ongoing.
According to the State Department for Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimani, the road will play a fundamental role in catalysing economic growth and enhancing connectivity in the region.
"The construction of the road from Maasai Lodge to Rimpa has officially commenced. The road is part of the road network in Kajiado North, promised by His Excellency the President," Kimani stated.
"This critical infrastructure project is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion, not only in Rongai but also in neighbouring areas such as Twala, improving accessibility and reducing travel time for commuters," he added.
This comes weeks after residents of Rongai decried danger after the construction of part of Gataka Road near the Tumaini area was abandoned halfway through, two weeks after it had begun.
According to the residents, who addressed the media on Tuesday, August 19, businesses and services, including important hospital services, have been stranded since constructors dug out the road and left it with trenches and holes.
“We are calling upon the government to fast-track the construction so that this road can be better. We are even scared of what will happen once the rains intensify, because normally, it's not a good road, but now the situation has been worsened,’’ one of the residents said.
However, in response, Kamotho confirmed that the construction of Gataka Road, which connects Rongai and Gataka town, would resume soon.
“The Contractor on the Gataka-Tumaini road and the Maasai Lodge-Rimpa road will resume work. Emphasis is on the Contractor of the Gataka-Tumaini road to begin backfilling on the open excavation as other works continue,’’ the PS stated.
