NGO commissions bridge to link Kakamega & Bungoma
Residents of Kakamwe location in Bungoma county and Mautuma location in Kakamega county now have something to smile about after a Non-Governmental Organization ‘Bridging The Gap Africa’ completed the construction of a foot bridge across Nzoia river to ease communication between the two counties.
Speaking during the official commissioning of the bridge christened ‘Amani bridge’ Mr. Mark Okello a consultant with the NGO said the organization took the initiative after witnessing challenges faced by residents from both sides as they tried to cross the river.
He regretted tens of lives had been swept away by as villagers attempted to cross raging waters of the killer river.
He said it was much disappointing to see people risk their lives by crossing the river on tractor tubes and when the tides were so high they were forced to travel all the way to Makutano or Nzoia to cross the river saying it was costly and time consuming.
You can also read, Residents warned off incomplete footbridge on River Nzioa.
“We spotted this when people were crossing on the inflated tractor tubes from one side to the other and there were complaints from ladies that the only way they could get across especially when the tides were high was to travel down all the way to Makutano or Nzoia on the other side of Likuyani to get bridge which was too expensive whereas they just live across here, so we thought it was wise to make the crossing easier and thus help them save the cash they spend on crossing so that they can provide for their families,” said Okelo.
According to Okello the Arched Amani bridge which was designed in Canada and constructed by a team of volunteer engineers from USA with the help of locals cost
Ksh. 3.8M and was the third bridge to be constructed by the organization along River Nzoia.
“The other two footbridges links Mbururu and Ndalu villages in Kakamega and Bungoma counties respectively, while the other one Mwiba village in Kakamega and Nzoia village in Bungoma County,” said Okello adding that each of them cost Ksh. 2M.
In total Mr. Okello revealed that Bridging the Gap Africa had projected to construct a total of eight footbridges along river Nzoia and one on River Kipkarren.
He said besides, saving lives, the main objective behind the organization’s footbridge initiative was to provide safe passage and increase access for downgraded communities to education, healthcare and commerce.
He urged residents and members of the public to guard the bridges jealously for its sustainability warning against vandalism.
“Let’s ensure that the bridges are not vandalized. My appeal to residents and the people out there is that they should look after these bridges,” he said.
You may also like to read, A deadly bridge that connects two Counties, Lufwindiri bridge.
Speaking on behalf his colleagues, Eng. Harmon Parker, who was the lead engineer, hailed the support the residents, led by local chiefs, accorded the organization during the entire period of constructing the footbridges.
According to the engineer, the bridges have lifelines of up to 40 years if well maintained.
Parker encouraged the communities to exploit available economic opportunities provided by the footbridges by engaging in cross boundary agribusiness and commercial activities in order to boost living and social standards.
Speaking when he graced the occasion, Bungoma County Governor, Ken Lusaka who officially opened the bridge, thanked the organization for the gesture and appealed to residents from the two counties to take advantage of the bridges and engage in gainful commerce.
A section of upbeat residents from both sides of the river lauded the initiative.
“It’s a dream come true, I never expected this to happen in my life time, I have heard stories of construction of a bridge here for years and each time, it never happened,” said Mzee Herbert Atetwe a resident of Ivona who for years has been crossing the river on tractor tubes.
