The government has reaffirmed its commitment to fast-track the completion of the Sh1.9 billion Dhogoye Causeway Bridge in Bondo Sub-County, Siaya County, with assurances that the long-stalled project will be completed by September this year.
The construction of the causeway bridge, which links Usenge Town to Got Agulu Island, has been ongoing for over four years after experiencing prolonged delays.
Once completed, the bridge is expected to significantly improve connectivity, trade and socio-economic activities in the region.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the project, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said the government is under firm instructions from President William Ruto to ensure the bridge is completed within the next six months.
CS Chirchir, who was accompanied by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, disclosed that the government has so far spent over Sh660 million on the project, with an additional Sh200 million set to be released to the contractor within the next week to accelerate works.
“The President has given clear directions that this project must be completed within the stipulated timeline. We are committed to ensuring the contractor has the necessary resources to deliver,” said Chirchir.
The Roads CS further noted that the 30-kilometre highway linking Bondo Town to Osieko, which passes through the Dhogoye Causeway Bridge, has also been earmarked for refurbishment due to its poor condition. He said upgrading the road will complement the bridge project and enhance transport efficiency in the area.
Treasury CS John Mbadi revealed that the Dhogoye Bridge project, which commenced in 2021 and was initially scheduled for completion in 2022, stalled due to challenges experienced under the previous administration.
Mbadi said the current government has revived the project and allocated adequate funds to ensure its completion, noting that the bridge will play a critical role in opening up the region for business and investment.
“This project is a priority under President William Ruto’s administration. We have ensured that sufficient resources are available so that it is completed and the people of Siaya can benefit,” Mbadi said.
He also assured residents that the government has already tendered the Kodiaga–Siaya Town–Usenge road as part of a broader infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving road networks in the county.
Bondo Member of Parliament Dr. Gideon Ochanda said the completion of the Dhogoye Bridge will not only boost transportation and commerce but also address serious environmental challenges in the area.
Dr. Ochanda explained that water backflow from Lake Victoria, caused by the incomplete bridge, has submerged hundreds of acres of land and homes.
“Many families have lost their land and homes due to receding waters that cannot flow past the blocked bridge. Completion of this project will be a huge relief to the affected residents,” he said.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, who accompanied the delegation, urged residents to embrace development-focused politics and shun divisive political activities.
“We want politics of economics and development, not endless confrontations. Taxpayers deserve to benefit from government projects,” Kajwang said.
Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) Nyanza Regional Director Engineer Ken Adinda assured residents that the authority remains committed to maintaining and rehabilitating road networks in the region to support socio-economic transformation.
By Brian Ondeng
