This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
Two high-profile projects in Nakuru County have ended in disaster, with a public toilet and a water tank collapsing just days before being handed over to the county government.
The toilet, which was constructed at the Kabatini Ward Administrator's office, caved in on Thursday morning, minutes before workers arrived to complete it. The project, which cost Sh3 million, was rushed to completion in just three days, compromising its structural integrity.
According to Kabatini MCA Peter Macharia, the contractor took shortcuts to maximise profits, using less cement and loosely attaching stones to each other. 'The toilet was constructed hurriedly. The walls and roof were on a wet foundation that was yet to harden for it to sustain the weight in three days. The entire structure sunk on the fourth day,' Macharia said.
Meanwhile, a Sh1.7 million water tank in the neighbouring Bahati Ward collapsed just days before being handed over. The tank, which was meant to supply over 1,000 households with clean water, was poorly constructed, with the contractor ignoring engineering protocols.
Area MCA Peter Ndonyo accused the contractor of undertaking the project carelessly, leading to its collapse. 'The tank walls were yet to dry. The top slab was still being supported by timber pieces from inside. It was expected that water, a quarter of its capacity, would be pumped into the tank and allowed to dry for 21 days. It would then be added to half the capacity and assessed after another 21 days,' Ndonyo said.
The county's procurement process has been blamed for the collapse of the projects, with Macharia accusing the county of centralising its procurement offices, allowing for unreliable contractors to undertake public projects.
Water and Environment Executive Festus Ng'eno has suspended works on the projects, assuring the public that no money has been lost. 'We wish to inform the public that no money has been lost. Money shall only be paid for projects that have been completed and inspected,' Ng'eno said.
