This archive report was first published on 12 June 2020.
On Thursday morning, five workers who were scheduled to report to the site of a Sh1.5 million toilet in Nakuru's Kabatini Ward administration offices counted themselves lucky after the structure caved in minutes before their arrival.
The contractor tasked with the construction had been working on the project for just three days and was nearing completion, according to area ward representative Peter Macharia.
"The contractor hurriedly undertook the project and did a shoddy job. Within three days the toilet was almost complete. He disregarded time to allow for the structure to dry. At that speed they would have completed today," said Macharia.
What remained on the ground on Thursday morning was the roofing, while the rest of the structure had sunk into the over thirty feet deep pit.
While condemning the contractor for poor workmanship, Macharia expressed relief that the toilet collapsed before it could be used, averting potential risks to the public.
"The contractor not only placed the lives of his workers at risk but also that of the public who would have lost their lives or suffered injuries while using it," said Macharia.
He called on the county government to ensure proper vetting of contractors and take action against the one in question to prevent public funds from being lost in the project.
