By Agnetta Okwemba
Poor road network in Shimba Hills sub-county has caused huge losses to residents who depend on selling farm produce to Kongowea and Diani.
The locals have raised concerns over the failure by the national highway authority since independence to start the tarmacking of Mwabungo-Shimba Hills-TM road which is very critical for transportation.
They want president William Ruto to consider the road as he plans to address Mashujaa day in Kwale next month on 20th.
The road is under Kenya National highway authority.
Speaking to Coast Times Digital the residents said that more than 70km from Mwabungo is affecting fruit business.
They said that even as the construction of a Sh600 million fruit processing plant last year in Kubo South ward that was believed to catalyze road construction in the area nothing is happening.
“A farmer is forced to sell a bag of oranges at sh300, which is a loss,” cried John Mbulu, a resident of Shimba Hills.
He explained that they see no benefits of having the fruit processing plant when transportation is a challenge.
The road from Mwabungo going to Majimboni and passing through Shimba Hills heading to TM is causing distress to residents due to its impassable nature.
Mbulu said that they not only have issues with the road but whose responsibility it falls to.
Mbulu claimed that their member of parliament has previously distanced himself from the road saying it is not his obligation.
The area was made a sub-county recently after being carved out of Matuga sub county.
Kubo and Mkongani divisions merged up to form a sub-county with over 80,000 people.
Boaz Mwakasimu another resident said that tarmacking of the road will open a lot of development in Shimba Hills sub-county.
The residents said that their only hope is president William Ruto to ensure the road is given a priority which will be the first one in Shimba Hills.
This year’s Mashujaa celebrations will be held in Kwale county with the President expected to lead Kenyans in celebrating the national event.
