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Committee raises concern over status of Malaba One Stop Border Post

The  Senate Committee on Roads and Transport has expressed dissatisfaction at the state of Malaba One Stop Border Post in Busia County.

Led by the Committee Chairman, Kimani  Wamatangi, the members said the facility’s pathetic road presented the country’s image negatively.

Speaking  to the press during their visit to the facility on Friday, Wamatangi  said that it was unfair for traders to move all the way from Mombasa only to get stuck at Malaba.

“Around 200 metres of the road has a challenge,” he said adding that it was not fair for a contractor to be given a contract worth Sh.600 million and be dismissed after being paid Sh.550 million.

The Bungoma Senator, Moses Wetangula on his part urged the national government to immediately address traffic congestion within Malaba One Stop Border Post.

Wetangula  stated that the facility normally experiences long queues of trucks to the tune of 20 to 30 kilometres adding that this leads to delays in business, deny the government revenue and poses risk to the local residents.

“This is because some trucks carry fuel that is flammable,” he said, adding that the roads did not have facilities to assist passengers.

The  Senator  advised the committee to present the report immediately to the national government and push them to take necessary action.

“In my view, the work should be completed within the next three to four months,” he said adding that the move will ensure smooth flow of traffic and goods.

The  Malaba OSBP  has been ranked as the second busiest facility in Africa in terms of trade volume.

This comes after traders complained that they take two to three days for their goods to be cleared at the facility while on transit.

By  Salome  Alwanda

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