This archive report was first published on 13 August 2019.
The Kisumu-Kakamega highway rehabilitation project, which started about seven years ago, has stalled, leaving the business community and residents of Vihiga in frustration.
Trade and Industrialisation Executive Geoffrey Vukaya noted that the Chinese contractors, Covec, have failed to honor their promises to the business community and residents since 2013.
“Covec promised to install streetlights in the four markets but they have boycotted the works,” Mr Vukaya said.
He added that the open drainages left near people’s shops have claimed more than four lives and caused countless permanent injuries.
“This is despite the Chinese contractors extracting almost 90 per cent of the natural resources and materials for the works from Vihiga,” Mr Vukaya said.
Majengo business community chairperson Mary Amagove said some of their premises have been "left hanging" and customers cannot access them due to open drainages.
The open drainages pose a health risk since they have accumulated waste and stagnant water, according to Mr Vukaya.
Published on August 13, 2019.
