- Residents of Mto Mawe and Samora have united to rebuild their bridge, swept away by recent heavy rains, after growing tired of waiting for government intervention
- With a budget of Ksh. 250,000 and a deadline of May 31, 2024, they are raising funds to restore this critical infrastructure that impacts daily commutes and local businesses
- The chairman, Mr Paul Misiko, who spoke to Nairobipost.co.ke exclusively, noted that activities have been paralyzed and that residents have been left to use alternative routes which are over 20 kilometers longer
Athi River, Kenya – May 28, 2024 – The residents of Mto Mawe and Samora have joined forces to rebuild a critical bridge that was swept away by heavy rains earlier this year, in what is now a remarkable display of community spirit.
Frustrated by the lack of government intervention, the community has decided to take matters into their own hands, organizing a fundraiser to finance the bridge’s reconstruction.
The bridge, which collapsed in May, has left many residents stranded, including schoolchildren, business people, and farmers who rely on the bridge to access markets and essential services.
The lack of a functional bridge has forced residents to take a detour via Dayster, significantly increasing their travel distance from 3 kilometers to over 20 kilometers.
This detour has not only increased travel time but also fuel costs, with a standard car consuming approximately 4 liters of fuel for the round trip, costing residents an estimated Ksh. 16,000 per month.
During a site visit yesterday, the community determined that KSh 250,000 is needed to reconstruct the bridge and set a fundraising deadline of May 31, emphasizing the urgency of the project to restore normal activities.
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Mr. Paul Misiko, the community chairman who spoke to Nairobipost.co.ke, emphasized the urgent need for the bridge, highlighting that the government’s failure to act has left them no choice but to initiate the repairs themselves.
“The bridge was washed away by recent rains, and despite our demonstrations, nothing has been done. Residents are cooperating because they have no other option; school children are suffering, and motorists and businesspeople are severely impacted,”
Mr Paul Misiko
Residents shared their stories of hardship, with some children now commuting up to 50 kilometers to get to school.
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A local woman, whose identity was not confirmed but who is seen addressing the press in a viral social media clip, recounted the devastating effects of the flash floods, including the tragic deaths of three men at the bridge.
She appealed to Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen, urging the government to allocate emergency funds to assist in the bridge reconstruction. She also noted the economic potential of the Kinanie area, home to the Leather City, which has been paralyzed due to the bridge’s collapse.
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The woman highlighted the bridge’s importance, stating that over 600 cars depend on it daily. The loss of the bridge has forced residents to use longer, more expensive routes, significantly impacting their daily lives.
