Construction works on Ngata stretch a nuisance to residents
Martha Swagi during an interview with Mtaa Wangu on November 19, 2024.
As the construction of the dual carriageway at the Ngata stretch is slowly taking shape, the road now seems to come with new problems, affecting the lifestyle of residents living along it.
Evans Makori, the Chairperson of Paradise Phase 9 estate says whenever it rains, the drainage system gets blocked, leaving water flowing on the sides thus blocking pedestrians crossing the road.
Martha Swagi, another resident, agrees with Evans Makori. On her part, she explains how she has fears for the school going children in the estate who have to cross the road as they make their way to school.
“We do not have designated bus terminus and crossing points on this road. Whenever matatus stop to pick and drop passengers, they have to park just beside the road which is very risky.
In a statement released by the Fairview Ngata Community, the residents implored the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) to prioritize road safety measures.
“There is an immediate need for well designated matatu stages and pedestrian crossing areas for passengers, particularly school children who alight from matatus in the area. This will ensure safe boarding and alighting reducing the risk posed to pedestrians” reads part of the statement.
On April 9, a horrific accident occurred along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway near the Ngata stretch claiming the lives of seven individuals.
According to eye witnesses they blamed the accident on a truck that had stalled in the middle of the road for days, therefore hindering traffic that was coming to and from the different sides of the road.
Bishop Wagala Hodari, Secretary Ngata Ministers Fellowship says that he has witnessed numerous accidents along this blackspot and being a counselling psychologist, he has had many patients who were victims of road accidents.
In the statement, the residents request for the immediate installation of safe and clearly marked entrances to the estates within Kamungei and Fairview Ngata, particularly at points where the road intersects with existing access roads.