Floods cut off transport on key roads
News 13:22
 |
| Herders in Laikipia County shepherd their animals to safer grounds. |
By Edwin Cheserek and James Munyeki
Transport along several roads in various parts of the country has been paralysed due to flooding.The flash floods have washed away bridges and sections of various roads disrupting transport.
In Marakwet East District, floodwater washed away bridges and sections of roads.
Tot-Biretwa Road was extensively resulting into a transport crisis.
Similarly, Cheptarbei Bridge, which connects farmers in the region to various markets was destroyed.
"Our produce is rotting in farms because we cannot access markets due to poor road network," said Peter Kihara, a banana farmer.
He said mango and tomato farmers are counting losses after lorries ferrying the produce ended their journeys at the damaged bridge.
Transport along Kerio Valley to towns such as Iten and Eldoret was also hampered. Mr Luka Ng’arengan, chairman of Marakwet farmers said Mon River changed its course, destroying the bridge.
Spend the night
He urged Ministry of Roads to repair worst affected sections of the road. "The road has been completely cut off. It is a disaster that requires urgent intervention from relevant authorities," said Ng’arengan.
In Laikipia, transport along Rumuruti-Maralal Road was paralysed after a section of the highway was washed away.
The section near Magadi area was damaged over the weekend forcing travellers to spend the night in the cold as they waited for rains to subside.
Matatus plying the route cancelled their schedules. Laikipia West DC Otieno Odidi blamed rising cases of insecurity on poor road network. Heavy rains have worsened the situation.
Posted on 13:22.
Filed under
