Boda boda operators in Sirisia constituency, Bungoma County have threatened to hold peaceful demonstrations to express their dissatisfaction with the poor state of roads in the area.
Speaking to the media, Sirisia boda boda chairman Mr. Andrew Siboe said several roads and bridges have been swept away by floods making it difficult for them to carry out their daily duties. “It is becoming hard for us to do business especially in Malakisi, Sitabicha, Machakha and Tamlega areas, where the roads are totally impassable,” lamented Mr. Siboe.
He added that so far nothing has been done to renovate the Sango and Sitabicha bridges that collapsed in April due to heavy rains.
Tamlega residents who depend on the Nambuya-Malakisi road to sell their farm produce at Malakisi and Mayanja markets to earn a living have registered big losses due to the poor state of the road
“The road has been so useful to us, but as we speak now no vehicle or motorcycle can access this place,” said one farmer, adding that maize farmers have been forced to look for alternative ways to survive.
Lwandanyi ward MCA Mr. Tonny Khaoya Baraza accused the Bungoma County government of neglecting the place even after setting aside over Kshs 10 million as emergency funds to repair the damaged roads.
“I’m really disappointed with the government of Bungoma. The Governor himself accompanied us a few months ago during a road mapping tour in Lwandanyi whereby we identified several roads particularly in Malakisi Division to be renovated but unfortunately I discovered later that the funds were diverted to other projects,” said Mr. Baraza.
However, he appealed to the County government through the Ministry of Roads to chip in and rescue the businessmen and farmers who have been deeply affected.