Repair of roads destroyed by El-Nino rains begins

Kasipul Ong'ondo Were flags off construction of Dol Kodera - Mosocho road. [James Omoro, Standard]

Kasipul Member of Parliament Ong'ondo Were has embarked on the rehabilitation of key roads that were destroyed by heavy rains in the constituency.

This follows complaints by farmers who have been struggling to transport their produce to markets as a result of bad roads.

The MP said the rehabilitation targeting 11 key roads will cost Sh63 million. On Wednesday, Mr Were flagged off the construction Dol Kodera-Mosocho road to mark the launch of the project.

Other roads targeted include Dol Kodera - Karogo, Dol Kodera - Onyege, Sikri -Lida, Nyang'iela - Awach, Kotieno -Nyang'iela and Mirondo - Kawere among others.

The MP expressed confidence that the construction of roads will boost economic development in the area.

"Economic development cannot be achieved in any area without good roads. We are collaborating with Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) to ensure the construction work is done in a manner that can enable our people to use our roads without discomfort," Were said.

The MP said the roads will enable farmers to get the value for their produce after harvesting.

"Kasipul is an agriculturally viable constituency. We want to create a situation where farmers will not incur losses due to lack of good roads while taking their produce to the market," Were said.

He said roads will be constructed in all wards in the constituency to ensure equity in service delivery to residents.

Farmers and boda boda riders expressed hope that the project will transform livelihoods.

"The El Nino rains damaged our roads. We have been incurring losses due to the inability to transport our perishable produce to markets," said George Magak, a farmer.