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{
"id": 187769,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/187769/?format=api",
"text_counter": 168,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Mr. Obure",
"speaker_title": "The Minister for Public Works",
"speaker": {
"id": 118,
"legal_name": "Christopher Mogere Obure",
"slug": "christopher-obure"
},
"content": " Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to make a Ministerial Statement, on behalf of the Ministry of Roads, in response to concerns expressed in this House by the hon. Member for Yatta last Wednesday. Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is correct that the Nairobi-Mombasa Road is the lifeline of this country, as it connects the capital and hinterland with our main sea port. The current condition of the various sections of the Nairobi-Mombasa Road is as follows:- The section between Miritini and Maji ya Chumvi is considered excellent. Maji ya Chumvi to Bachuma Gate is in good motorable condition. The Bachuma Gate to Mtito Andei is also in excellent condition. Mtito Andei to Sultan Hamud is in excellent condition. The section from Sultan Hamud to Machakos Turn-off is currently under rehabilitation. The Machakos Turn-off to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Turn-off is also under rehabilitation. The balance of July 29, 2008 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 2145 the road into Nairobi City is also under rehabilitation. From what I have said, it can be seen that the condition of the road between Sultan Hamud and Mombasa ranges from being excellent to good. The road between Nairobi and Sultan Hamud is the subject of two on-going contracts for major pavement rehabilitation. As the rehabilitation proceeds, the existing pavements have to be maintained regularly before they are replaced with new heavy duty pavements. My Ministry has taken a careful note of the hon. Member's concern that diversions are not frequently maintained, and that small vehicles are, sometimes, compelled to take alternative longer routes through Kangundo. We regret that the surface condition of the diversions has not been satisfactory because of the pressure and damage caused by the high volume of traffic flow along that road. My Ministry has now taken firm measures to ensure that all the diversions are properly maintained and made motorable at all times throughout the period until the project is completed. To further alleviate the current situation, my Ministry has opened an additional 7 kilometres of road, where two layers are in place while awaiting placements of the final layer. Concerning security, my Ministry will continue to work closely with the relevant arms of Government to ensure safety and security of all road users. In connection with the traffic jams, the Ministry of Roads is aware that those traffic jams have been occurring at Mlolongo, around the weighbridge and in the vicinity of cement production facilities along the diversion road in Athi River. Indeed, the congestion and high traffic volumes between Athi River and JKIA Turn-off is the main reason the Ministry is building a new dual-carriage way on that section. At the Mlolongo Weighbridge, the Ministry will shortly commence the construction of modern facilities which will be installed on both sides of the road. The stereo arrangement means that the independent weighbridges will be built to weigh vehicles heading in the direction of Nairobi, while vehicles heading in the direction of Mombasa will also have their own facilities. Consequently, the numerous turning pavements and movements that cause heavy traffic jams which we are currently witnessing, will be a thing of the past once the two weighbridges are constructed on both sides of the road. For the present, while construction continues, the public will use the newly built second carriage way, wherever possible so as to reduce and ameliorate delays and congestion. The Sultan Hamud/Machakos Turn-off Road will be completed in February 2009, while the Machakos Turn-off to JKIA Road will be completed towards the end of next year. You may also recall that the Ministry encountered and still continues to encounter problems pertaining to the right of way on the road reserves. That has had a negative impact on timely completion of that project. I would like to appeal for full co-operation, especially, from all Members of Parliament when the Ministry lays claim on road reserves. Finally, Mr. Speaker, Sir, my Ministry regrets the inconvenience and frustration suffered by road users. However, we appeal to them to bear with us as that is the cost that we all have to pay before we get a first class quality road. Thank you."
}