Angry residents on Thursday demolished the controversial Ksh2.4 million controversial footbridge in Bomet County that was partly constructed using bricks.
A spot check by Nation at the Kirwa bridge in Chemakel Ward showed the only remaining structures at the site were metal bars standing on concrete slab on both banks of the river and metal bars in the middle.
According to one of the residents Catherine Chebet, it was risky for pedestrians to use the incomplete bridge and that residents had reverted to using an old one.
Geomet Company Limited, which won the tender to construct the bridge whose works commenced on February 5, 2019, was expected to complete its work on May 4, 2019.
The National Construction Authority (NCA) had marked the footbridge for demolition in April after area residents protested and demanded an audit on its safety.
Bomet County Executive in charge of Roads and Public Works Philip Sowek confirmed that the bridge was brought down by unknown people on Thursday and stated that the matter was under investigation.
Sowek said the county had appealed against the NCA’s decision to condemn the footbridge.
He asserted that the bridge which connects Kibori and Kipkewa villages in Chemagel Ward in Sotik sub-county was structurally sound and safe for use by pedestrians.
“As a matter of record, the requirements and standards were adhered to in its construction. The contractor implemented the works as required under the supervision of engineers from the county government,” Sowek maintained.
Engineer Victor Ngetich, the chief officer in the roads department had earlier denied claims that Ksh6.4 million was used to construct the footbridge.
