The reconstruction of the infamous Nithi bridge in Tharaka Nithi County and located along Meru-Nairobi highway will be launched before the end of this year.
Speaking during a mass at St Theresa Riiji Catholic Church in Central Imenti Constituency, Meru County, Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki said the government through President William Ruto has secured funds for reconstructing the bridge that has claimed hundreds of people since its commissioning back in 1985.
Professor Kindiki said that the bridge which still remains a black spot for those travelling along this route has claimed many lives and the government will act as per its promise to redesign it.
“The President, during his visit to China sat with development partners and we have money for that bridge. We are only waiting for a few issues to be finalised before I come to launch it by the end of this year,” said Kindiki.
The Deputy President said this was one of the many projects that the government has lined up for Meru as well as other counties in Kenya including reviving those that had stalled.
“Our economy at the moment seems to be stabilizing and as a result we have set aside funds to revive all the projects that had stalled. This is in line with the Kenya Kwanza manifesto and we are eager to implement it to the letter,” said Kindiki.
In Meru County alone, he added, the government is constructing 13 markets including Gakoromone which has gotten the largest allocation in the country at Sh800million.
“We are also planning to have about 20, 000 new homesteads connected to electricity and this is the reason we have set aside Sh1.8billion for this work. I will soon camp in this region just as I am doing in other areas to ensure that this work is done,” said Kindiki.
He also promised to facilitate equipping of Githongo Level four hospital to ensure that a medical training centre was also established there.
By Dickson Mwiti
