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{
    "id": 197196,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/197196/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 84,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Thuo",
    "speaker_title": "The Member for Juja",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 144,
        "legal_name": "George Thuo",
        "slug": "george-thuo"
    },
    "content": "on behalf of political leaders. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to comment on a proposed road from Nairobi to Thika that will cost about Kshs18 billion. I want to ask the hon. Minister, or the Government, to reconsider it. It is so good to do a five- or ten-lane road between Nairobi and Thika, with all its benefits. However, it would be useless if we do not consider the issue of all the small settlements along the way. These towns have no plans. Buildings are constructed haphazardly. There is no sewerage system. This road will bring in many more residents, and then create one huge slum from Nairobi to Thika, and probably beyond to Makuyu. It would, therefore, really help if the Ministry concerned was to get some money to do new planning and zoning of all those urban, municipal or county councils, so that they assist us in ensuring that this road will produce maximum benefit for our people. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I know it is the first of its kind in Kenya; so, we are fairly excited. However, in that excitement, we must be sure that people will reap its benefits. At the same time, Juja suffers an environmental disaster from the large number of quarries on the right March 20, 2008 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 347 hand-side, from Nairobi to Thika. As that road is constructed, this could be an opportune moment for us to consider what we shall do with the huge gaping holes. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, as I conclude, I also wish to remark that in Thika Town we have the single largest slum outside Nairobi. As we talk about slum upgrading, let us remember we have the people of Kiandutu, who are not children of a lesser god, and who deserve to be considered alongside other Kenyans. If that is done, I have no doubt that our people will feel the presence of a truly representative Government. After all, Juja is the most cosmopolitan constituency in central Kenya. With those few remarks, I beg to support."
}