The contractor of the Sh10.8 billion Lamu-Witu-Garsen road is on the spot for leaving open ditches that have left scores injured.
The project, which was completed and opened by President Uhuru Kenyatta on May 20 last year, was built by H-Young company in collaboration with GIBB Africa Limited.
Residents want the contractor recalled to backfill the ditches that were dug in the course of the roadworks.
They also want a proper drainage system installed to end flooding in the area.
Residents say lack of a proper drainage system and kerbs on the road that cuts across Witu town, leads to flooding whenever it rains.
Community leader Badawy Shekale said several children have broken their limbs while playing around the open ditches.
“The road is complete but they have left so many open ditches which they should have backfilled once they were done because they know the danger they pose to navigation and safety of residents. Several houses have already been swept away by floods,” Shekale said.
Mariam Zenewy said, “There are sections on the road with culverts. This should have had kerbs built around them but now it floods everywhere. We want the contractor to come back and fix this.”
In his response, H-Young (EA) Limited regional manager David Sharvit said they do not plan to tend to the ditches in the meantime due to security concerns in the affected areas.
“It’s up to the Kenya National Highways Authority to decide. We can only come in once security issues in the areas are resolved,” Sharvit said.
Other areas affected by the situation include Mokowe, Hindi, Pangani, Sabasaba, Ndeu, Mkunumbi, Koreni, Kibaoni, and Majembeni.
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