Sh21bn set aside for Meru roads, Transport CS says

Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia on Saturday said the national government has set aside over Sh21 billion for construction of new roads and improvement of the transport infrastructure in Meru County.

Speaking in Meru while touring the roads earmarked for tarmacking, the Transport CS Macharia said President Uhuru Kenyatta will commission the projects next week.

CS Macharia told Meru residents that Sh7.5 billion of the Sh 21.5 billion has been set aside for  new roads and Sh9 billion for roads whose procurement has not yet been completed.

“We shall use Sh5 billion to renovate old roads, Sh7.5 billion on new roads. We are also doing procurement for further Sh9 billion,” said CS Macharia.

Further, the Transport CS toured the Igembe South’s Kimongoro-Kanuni-Ugoti, Maua-Athiru, Gaiti-Meru National park, Farm-Murera Gate in Igembe Central, Mwerongundu-Ndumuru in Igembe North and Kangeta Laare roads..

During the visit, the CS who was accompanied by Defense Principal Secretary Kirimi Kaberia and Igembe Central MP Kubai Iringo, said that he had personally experienced the poor state of roads in the region and assured the residents of the government’s commitment to improve the road infrastructure.

He directed the contractor in charge of the roads to start work immediately and hiring of local residents so that they could benefit from the projects.

Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi who is eyeing the Meru senatorial seat called on the residents to be patient since the government was fully committed to develop the region.