People with Disabilities (PWDs) in Migori County have called on the national and county governments to urgently repair the Migori Bridge, saying its current condition has made movement difficult and unsafe.
Chairperson of the People with Disabilities (PWDs) for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)-Migori League, Ms. Denitha Ghati, said the deteriorating condition of the bridge had particularly affected persons with disabilities who could no longer access it with ease.
“The Migori Bridge is currently in a very pathetic state, and persons living with disabilities cannot access it. We want to call on our county and national leaders to work fast and in unity to repair the bridge,” Ghati said.
Ghati, who is also the former Migori Women Representative and former nominated Member of Parliament (MP) in the 12th Parliament, said residents were being forced to use longer routes through various estates to access parts of Migori Town that could otherwise be reached in less than a kilometer by crossing the bridge.
She said the closure had also negatively affected businesses across Migori Town, with persons with disabilities among those bearing the greatest burden because of difficulties accessing businesses, services, and workplaces.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) closed the bridge in February this year after its structural integrity was compromised by rising water levels in River Migori.
The swelling waters washed away the gabion protecting the upstream side of the bridge, making it dangerous for motorists to use.
The bridge sits on the A1 highway connecting the border town of Isebania through Migori to Kisii, while also serving major towns in the Kuria region. Its closure has forced motorists and pedestrians to use alternative routes, increasing travel distances and inconvenience.
Ghati urged the county leadership, spearheaded by Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, to work closely and in harmony with all elected Members of Parliament (MPs) to ensure they speak with one voice in championing the reconstruction of the Migori Bridge.
She noted that KeNHA had previously promised to repair the bridge and urged the authority to honour its commitment and commence the works as soon as possible.
The official said the poor state of the bridge was not only an infrastructure concern but also a matter of accessibility, particularly for persons living with disabilities who require safe and convenient routes.
The former legislator also called on Migori County to consider persons with disabilities when employment opportunities arise, saying this would enable them to become economically self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the development of the county.
“We have many able individuals with disabilities who are learned in Migori, and my request to the county management is that they should consider PWDs when employment opportunities arise,” she said.
Meanwhile, Albert Matara, an official from Migori Disability Network, urged the relevant authorities to work together to address the condition of the bridge, saying delays were increasing the difficulties faced by pedestrians and motorists using alternative routes.
Matara also urged the PWD fraternity to register as voters and actively participate in forthcoming elections to ensure they elect leaders who would address the needs of all citizens.
“We can only get good leaders if we all participate in elections and elect servant leaders who can work for all persons regardless of their physical, mental, and economic status,” Matara said.
He called on persons with disabilities to choose leaders who would prioritise inclusive development and ensure infrastructure projects take into account the needs of persons with disabilities.
Matara said inclusive planning was essential in ensuring public facilities and transport infrastructure served everyone, particularly people who face mobility challenges.
Residents of Migori Town have continued calling for regular maintenance of public infrastructure to prevent bridges and roads from deteriorating to levels that restrict access and threaten public safety.
By Makokha Khaoya
