Ganze residents led by their MP Teddy Mwambire are upbeat that the construction of the Sh2.1 billion, Bamba- Kilifi road is going to change their fortunes.
Early this week, the national government launched the construction of the 56km-long Bamba-Ganze-Kilifi road, signaling the change for better development of the region.
The official launch of the road in Ganze town was graced by Transport CS James Macharia and the host, MP Teddy Mwambire.
Some of those who spoke to Uzalendo News said this was a new era of development that Ganze and Kilifi, in general, have been waiting for.
The road will connect the tarmac at Bamba town from Ganze and then connect the tarmac from Ganze to Kilifi town.
“It has been a long wait but finally, tarmac is here with us. This will definitely mark the end of the dust that has been emanating once on the road,” said Juma Karisa, a boda boda operator in Ganze.
Mr. Karisa said the road has remained in pathetic condition since Kenya gained its independence and during rains it was impassable.
“I have used this road from Bamba-Kilifi since time immemorial and it has been in bad state. It has never fulfilled the will of the people. But today marks another chapter in our quest for this road,” he said.
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Lydia Kahindi from Petanguo said the road will open up business opportunities and end their transport nightmares either during the dry or rainy season.
“If it is dry season, you inhale a lot of dust as you travel towards Kilifi or Bamba. Again when it rains, vehicles get stuck along the roads since it is impassable. With the tarmac, things are set for the better,” she said.
The road according to CS Macharia is going to be a game-changer in terms of empowering the people.
“President Uhuru Kenyatta has been keen on this project because it is his hope that once completed the Sh2.1 billion road will positively impact on the people of this region and Kenyans in general,” said Dr. Macharia.
He said the road will accelerate socio-economic development by promoting trade and investment and improving access to social amenities such as schools, hospitals, and markets.
“I want to thank Kilifi leaders led by your area MP teddy Mwambire and governor Amason Kingi for pushing into the completion of this road which starts in Mariakani and ends in Kilifi town. Mr. Mwambire literally never left my office as he continued lobbying for this road and here we are today for the launch,” said the CS.
Mr. Mwambire thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta for the project but asked CS Macharia to make sure that the contract of the project includes the putting up of street lighting in Ganze town to make it an urban center.
“We want to thank President Kenyatta for this road and my congratulations also to Africa‘s infrastructure ambassador Raila Odinga who came in handy when we were lobbying for this road. I shall be forever grateful to these two leaders. Now that the construction has commenced, I would also ask if you can include in your plans the setting up of street lights within Ganze town to enable the town attain the urban status,” said the MP.
“For and on behalf of the great people of Ganze constituency and its environs take this opportunity to thank the head of state for this road,” said the MP.
Governor Kingi said the construction of modern and proper road infrastructure was key to driving the economic agenda which includes easing the transport of people and goods, providing impetus for investment as well as improving security through street lighting.
“The road will boost local economies in Bamba, Ganze, and all small towns along the stretch by improving accessibility to social amenities and connecting the once-rural areas to major towns. We are thankful to the national government for finally delivering on a promise they made to us,” the Governor said.
