Sections of the business community in Homa Bay town have been urged to vacate road reserves to pave way for the expansion of the town’s main highway.
Area County Commissioner (CC) Ronald Mwiwawi said traders who encroached on road reserves were inconveniencing the contractor and delaying the construction works.
He also urged motorists to avoid parking in unauthorized spaces where the project is passing.”We are concerned that some motorists, especially matatus were parking their vehicles on the road construction spaces thus delaying the progress of the project,” Mwiwawi said.
The administrator who briefed the media in his office today said the project is expected to ease traffic congestion in Homa Bay town and spur economic growth.
The project connects from Arujo area to the town central business district (CBD) and extends to Rangwena along Kendu Bay highway.
Mwiwawi said phase one of the implementation of the project was now at 76 percent completion is expected to be complete by May this year while phase two will be completed by November this year.
“Apart from easing traffic congestion, the project is also expected to add to the beautification of the town” Mwiwawi said.
He said the project also connects to the newly rehabilitated Homa Bay Pier to boost the blue economy.
The CC said apart from the road expansion project, there were over 400 other kilometers of roads across the county which are being upgraded to bitumen standards.
He said the projects were expected to open up the tourism potential as well as the blue economy in the county.
“We are opening up the islands in lake Victoria to boost tourism and fisheries. Rusinga island now has a 19.7 kilometer tarmac ring road.” Mwiwawi said.
He said for development to be realized, there was need for enhanced security and issued a stern warning against use of goons as the country approaches next year’s elections.
“We will deal firmly against criminal gangs locally referred to as Sangwenyas,” he said.
By Davis Langat
