Nyamira County Commissioner Shufaa Mwijuma has urged contractors undertaking development projects in the county to strictly observe safety standards at construction sites, warning that the ongoing heavy rains pose a significant risk to workers and equipment.
Mwijuma issued the advisory while inspecting the progress of the government’s affordable housing project at Sironga in Nyamira South Sub County.
She noted that the persistent rainfall experienced over the past four weeks has slowed down construction activities at the site due to accumulation of runoff water in excavated areas.
According to the county commissioner, the presence of large pools of water in the trenches and foundation pits poses serious safety concerns for workers operating in the area.
“Caution and safety of workers on the construction site must be prioritised since the sticky clay soil at the site requires great care while working within the area to avoid possible incidents of drowning or the submerging of construction excavators, which would result in huge losses,” Mwijuma emphasised.
She explained that the waterlogged excavations could easily lead to accidents if workers fail to take necessary precautions, especially when operating heavy machinery or working near the deep foundation pits.
The commissioner further reminded contractors that the affordable housing projects are major national investments and must therefore be implemented according to approved standards and timelines.
She stressed that contractors must adhere to the agreed construction schedules and ensure that quality workmanship is maintained throughout the project implementation period.
Mwijuma said government officers will intensify monitoring and inspection of construction projects in the county to ensure contractors comply with safety regulations and professional standards.
“We will continue conducting regular inspections of these projects to ensure contractors remain on course and professionally execute their duties so that the intended beneficiaries can fully appreciate these government initiatives,” she said.
The county commissioner warned that any contractor found engaging in shoddy work or making unauthorised alterations to approved building designs would face serious consequences.
“Shoddy work and laziness by contractors will not be tolerated because the government has heavily invested in these projects. We cannot keep quiet whenever we discover unapproved construction design alterations that compromise the quality of work,” she added.
Mwijuma also encouraged interns attached to various construction projects in the county to take advantage of the opportunity to gain practical experience.
She urged them to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired in college by actively participating in site activities under the supervision of qualified professionals.
Nyamira County Director for Housing and Urban Development Boaz Mireri confirmed that several major construction projects are currently underway across the county.
He said the largest projects include the affordable housing developments in Manga Sub County, where 752 housing units are being constructed at a cost of Sh1.93 billion, and Sironga in Nyamira South Sub County, where 756 units are being built at a cost of Sh1.97 billion.
Mireri added that other ongoing development initiatives in the county include the construction of hostels in all four constituencies as well as modern markets in Borabu and Nyamira North sub-counties.
According to him, the projects are expected to significantly transform the county by creating employment opportunities, improving student accommodation in technical institutions, and enhancing business operations for small and medium enterprises.
“The projects are a real game changer in the county in terms of employment opportunities, addressing accommodation challenges for students in technical institutions, spurring economic empowerment and business growth for small and medium enterprise operators, and ensuring that residents, regardless of their economic status, have an opportunity to own decent homes,” Mireri said.
By Deborah Bochere
