The construction of Rusinga Island’s ring road in Homa Bay County has begun, bringing joy to the residents.
Homa Bay County Commissioner Moses Lilan said although the project was behind schedule, the contractor was expected to speed up the construction to cover for the lost time. Lilan led a team of senior government officials to Rusinga to inspect the progress of construction. Stating that the ring road, which measures 19.4 kilometres, will cost the government Ksh 1.28 billion.
Mr. Lilan, who heads the committee responsible for overseeing national government projects in the county, assured the locals that although the project was behind schedule, the lost time will be compensated. Fortunately, Lilan noted that the fishermen will be the major beneficiaries of the project.
Isaiah Ochieng, Chairman of the Litare Beach Management Unit, highlighted the island’s significant fish production but cited the poor road network as a marketing challenge. Since “fish is perishable and should be taken to the market as fast as possible. If the road is bad, fish will not reach the market fresh.” He said.
Mr. Lilan stated that the road will enhance tourism in the island by encouraging investors to construct more accommodation facilities.
Presidential Delivery Unit Director Silvance Osele said the project has three components of construction, with the first and second components being eight kilometres, while the third component is 3.2 kilometres.
Kenya Urban Roads Authority Regional Officer Richard Donge said the main challenge that has affected the project is the position of some electricity poles. Thus, “We have slowed down a little bit, but we are sure that we will progress well,” Mr. Donge said.
The government is also undertaking the construction of affordable houses in Homa Bay town as well as an ultra-modern fish market and pier.
Other ongoing government projects in the county include the Mfangano Ring Road and the Mbita Sindo-Sori Road, among others.
By Davis Langat
