Transport in West Pokot County is facing a looming crisis after the last bridge that used to connect the Tamkal landslide victims collapsed after a truck ferrying food plied the weak Marich bridge.
Marich bridge along river Muruny in Pokot central has become the fourth bridge to collapse after Chepera, Ortum and Sebit bridges were washed away by raging floods on Saturday this week that saw at least fifty eight people lose their lives.
West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo, who immediately toured the Marich bridge, said the County is facing major challenges in terms of connection of landslide victims and also the communities that use the road.
The bridge links West Pokot to Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo and Turkana East which has now been totally delinked from accessing the Kitale-Lodwar highway and the entire North rift region.
Lonyangapuo urged the Kenya National Highways Authority to immediately intervene to assist in the transportation of relief aid to the landslide victims in Pokot Central sub county.
He cited that unless the national government acts swiftly thousands of residents depending on the two bridges in Pokot Central(Marich and Chepera bridges) will face tough times.
Product prices being sold now have sky rocketed and other essential needs will not be affordable. The Marich bridge is said to have been weakened by too much pressure and load impact by vehicles using it.
Residents have now appealed to the government to come to their rescue as one Peter Tepekwank says that in case of referrals from Pokot sub county to either Kapenguria referral hospital it’s impossible, since the cut off bridge is crucial.
