This archive report was first published on 25 October 2019.
Meru town is set to witness a major transformation with the construction of a 13.6-kilometre dual carriage road, which will link the western and eastern bypasses. The project aims to alleviate frequent traffic snarl-ups in the town, which has become a transit point with the growth of Isiolo and Nanyuki.
However, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a stern warning to people occupying road reserves along the planned dual carriage, ordering them to vacate the area or risk their buildings being demolished. The authority plans to secure a 40-metre corridor for the road construction, which is set to begin late next year.
According to Albert Semutwa, the KeNHA upper eastern regional manager, there will be no negotiations with people who have built structures on road reserves. He warned that the illegal encroachers would not be compensated and that the structures would be pulled down if they fail to leave within a 30-day notice period.
The new road will start in Gikumene, across the town to Makutano, where an interchange will be built to Gitoro, connecting with the western bypass. Another 5.4-kilometre dual carriage will be built from Makutano, linking the eastern bypass at Kaaga Girls and to Ruiri junction for motorists travelling to Isiolo airport.
Patrosiu Njeru, a consultant with Runji Consulting Group, has advised owners of affected plots to put their documents in order. The consultant revealed that at least 144 plots would be affected by the project and that the detailed designs and tender documents should be ready by February next year.
The contractor is expected to break ground by the end of 2020, marking the beginning of a major infrastructure development project in Meru town.
Published on Friday, October 25, 2019 by GITONGA MARETE.
