By Reporter
Lamu leaders have called on the national government to release funds that would enable reconstruction and rehabilitation of the flood affected parts of the Gamba- Witu road.
Lamu senator Joseph Githuku in his remarks after a closed door talks between him, Lamu Women Representative Muthoni Marubu and the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Roads Kipchumba Murkomen voiced his concern over the negative impact that the washed up sections of the road were likely to have on the economy of Lamu.
He stated that with the recent docking of the Ethiopian commercial vessel MV Abby at the Lamu Port, the national government through the Transport Ministry needs to act fast in a bid to ensure the viability of the LAPSSET corridor.
“We expect action to be taken promptly, to avert any further disaster that can occur as a result of the usage of the road,” he stated, adding that the fortunes of the Lamu Port hinge on a good road network for which sections have already been washed due to the country’s recent floods.
Sections of the Lamu- Garsen Highway have been rendered impassable after the Tana River filled to the brim, overtopping the road and paralyzing transport activities.
This has led to a section of boat operators in Amu Island bringing their boat on shore to the Gamba Witu section in a bid to aid in averting the transport crisis that has washed up the Gamba-Witu Section.
In her remarks Lamu Women Representative Monica Marubu implored the national government to expedite the repair of the Lamu-Witu road, further revealing that the Cabinet Secretary together with other Lamu leaders will tomorrow carry out roads assessment of the works needed for rehabilitation of the LAPSSET road.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, together with Lamu leaders and top roads officials are expected in Lamu tomorrow to evaluate and provide an assessment over the road works needed along the Lamu-Witu-Garsen Highway.
Efforts are also likely to step up in a bid to ensure the road works are expedite following the offloading the 60,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer expected to use the Northern corridor,
The Kenya National Highways Authority had three days ago issued an advisory against usage of the road following heavy flooding that led to certain parts being washed away.
Speaking separately over the road repair works needed, Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, stated that plans were already underway to ensure that road repair works are carried especially with the movement of 60,000 metric tonnes of Ethiopian fertilizer expected to pass through the route.
Governor Timamy further highlighted the urgent need for government intervention to restore essential road connectivity vital for the economic prosperity of the region and the operational success of the Lamu Port within the broader LAPSSET initiative.
