The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Residents of Kiumbu and South Ngariama villages in Mwea Constituency, Kirinyaga County, are alarmed over the stalled construction of the Kiumbu Bridge across the Thiba-Nyamindi River, saying it has exposed them to grave danger.
Led by Johnson Muthike, the locals said the abandoned project has forced people to cross the river precariously, a situation that has resulted in injuries and even deaths of boda boda riders, especially at night.
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During a visit to Kiumbu village for the commissioning of a new market, Governor Anne Waiguru was petitioned by Tebere Ward MCA Peter Karinga and residents to lobby the national government to restart the bridge works, which have been stalled for more than three years.
“Residents are compelled to rely on unsafe footbridges during the rainy season. The lack of a proper bridge is also disrupting learners from South Ngariama, particularly during examination periods,” MCA Karinga noted.
Local resident Peter Wambugu said the contractor deserted the site over four years ago, leaving only a caretaker behind.
“We don’t know if the funding was withdrawn or what happened, but this bridge is vital to link residents of Kiumbu and South Ngariama in Tebere and Murinduko wards,” he said.
Karinga added that the bridge’s absence has forced villagers to endure long detours and hindered access to essential services, including the Kiumbu Health Centre.
Pastor Peter Mwai echoed the call for completion, saying the project would enhance connectivity, ease movement of goods and services, and spur local economic growth.
