Residents of Migori County want the deplorable state of the Zamzam-Nyamware road addressed, saying the dust due to heavy traffic has disrupted businesses and exposed families to health risks.
The road is one of the main alternative routes for motorists travelling to Isebania, Kisii and Homa Bay after the closure of the Migori Bridge by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) in February this year.
The Migori Bridge was closed by KENHA after the bridge’s structural integrity was compromised by rising water levels on River Migori; the swelling waters washed away the gabion protecting the upstream side of the bridge, making it dangerous for motorists to use.
The Zamzam-Nyamware road has become one of the alternative routes that motorists have been using, resulting in a steady flow of heavy commercial trucks, public service vehicles, and private cars passing through.
Vincent Ondiege, a resident of the Zamzam area, said that the situation has worsened during the dry season, with thick clouds of dust settling on homes, shops and schools.
Ondiege disclosed that the dust from the Murram Road had become a daily burden for families, school-going children and business personnel living along the road.
“We are asking the county government to at least sprinkle water on the road every morning and afternoon as they work on a permanent solution. The dust is too much,” he complained.
Ondiege said some tenants had already vacated rental houses because of the conditions, while parents were increasingly worried about children developing coughs and other respiratory problems due to the constant exposure to dust.
He said residents had unsuccessfully tried to reach out to the county authorities to seek intervention, but nothing has been done so far.
Fredrick Odhiambo, who owns a butcher shop in the area, lamented that the dusty environment had significantly reduced customer traffic, forcing some business owners to consider relocating.
“The majority of my customers are avoiding buying my meat products because they believe it may be contaminated with germs from the dusty road; while others do not want to come for fear of getting respiratory-related disease or spoiling their outfits,” bemoaned Odhiambo.
Another resident, Aloyce Odao, said the increase in traffic after the Migori Bridge closure has transformed the once relatively quiet Murram Road into a busy transport corridor.
“Since the bridge became unusable, almost every vehicle passes here; business has gone down, and the dust has made life difficult for everyone living and working along this road,” he said.
Odao, however, urged KENHA, in collaboration with Migori County, to direct all vehicles to utilise the tarmacked Namba-Kiringi route to ease traffic flow and reduce the problems that the Zamzam residents have been exposed to.
The residents also called upon the Migori County Government to implement immediate dust suppression measures, including regular watering of the road, while fast-tracking long-term improvements to ease traffic and improve the condition of the route.
As frustration continues to mount, residents issued a warning that unless the responsible authorities intervene soon, they will block heavy commercial vehicles from using the road, saying they have exhausted all other avenues in their quest for a lasting solution.
By Calton Ombok and Bahati Livia
