Residents of Kilimani Estate on Thursday, February 25, raised concerns regarding the planned upgrading of the Argwings Kodhek road by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA).
In a public consultation forum held by KURA, the residents, through the Kilimani Project Foundation, raised a number of issues among them the construction schedule, agency's plan to mitigate noise pollution and dust, as well as diversions and access, among other security concerns.
"A schedule on the duration of the construction should be shared. How long the constructions shall go on, the hours the construction shall be happening and whether night construction shall be permitted," the residents noted.
The residents also demanded to get the plan on access and diversions that would be created as a result of the ongoing works.
"Seeing as Argwings Kodhek is a major artery in Kilimani, any plans to divert traffic must be well thought out," the statement read in part.
The residents also urged the agency to ensure traffic flow problems would be resolved through a judicious redesign, particularly at Rose Avenue, Chaka Place, Yaya Centre Junction, and Ole Dume Road.
The residents also advocated for the inclusion of non-motorised transport, water drainage and street lighting in the new road design.
They called on matatus, buses, taxis and boda bodas to be allocated adequate space as well as modern kiosks for street vendors, footpaths, cycling paths, and pedestrian walkways as well as green spaces and a plan for trees that would be felled during the process.
"Residents and businesses that have encroached the road reserves should be given adequate notice to remove the offending structures," they added.
The residents also pointed out that a security plan must be put in place to ensure the safety of workers and road users at all times.
The roads agency plans to expand the road to a four lane dual carriageway in a four-year time span.
