Uasin Gishu County government through the Department of Roads, Transport and Public Works has utilised around Ksh110 Million to grade close to 800 Kilometers of rural roads in the third quarter of this financial year.
According to Roads, Transport and Public Works County Executive Committee Member Engineer Joseph Lagat, the budget included an allocation of Ksh70 Million for the ongoing grading works and Ksh40 Million for the maintenance of machines.
“As a department, we are preparing towards the devolution conference that will be happening in August at Eldoret Sports Club. We are also working on drainages, street lighting and other alternative roads to reconnect to the venue and ease traffic jams,” said Eng Lagat.
He noted that over 10,000 visitors are expected in Eldoret during the devolution conference and plans have been put in place for organising the entire transport and hospitality sectors including bodaboda operators, taxis and matatu to provide good services to the participants and operationalization of the street lighting.
More budget to road improvement program
“We have used the small budget to grade close to over 800 kilometres of rural roads and opened100 kilometres of new roads across. We are also working on drainage and gravelling works,” Eng Lagat added.
He also said that they will enhance the budget next financial year to Ksh90 million for fuel and Ksh60 million for maintenance of machines to boost the road improvement program in Uasin Gishu.
The ongoing ambitious program by Governor Jonathan Bii’s administration to open new roads in rural areas and improve on the existing ones across all the thirty wards was launched late last year.
It was aimed at connecting all rural areas in Uasin Gishu County to the rest of the urban centres and other neighbouring counties and beyond to boost trade and enhance mobility.
The County Executive further says the new roads will not only help facilitate the movement of people and products in the County but will also ensure order and security in most parts.
