By Akanimo Sampson
Several high-value buildings in Kenya will soon be demolished to give way to the construction of a dual carriage road.
This is because the final designs of the $155.6million first dual carriage road in Meru County, Kenya is complete.
According to Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA)‘s Upper Eastern Regional Manager, Sheikh Takoy, property owners along the 13.8km corridor who will be affected by the project has been identified and notified.
“Valuation of properties have been completed. We are waiting for funds to kick-start the project”, he said.
Takoy further assured affected property owners that they will be compensated in accordance with the law.
The road cuts through Meru town from Gikumene, three kilometres from the town along the Meru-Embu road to Gitoro Conference Centre near Meru National Polytechnic along Meru-Nanyuki road.
The project also includes a 4km section from Makutano to Ruiri junction on Meru-Maua road.
The government is currently sourcing funds for the project. Leaders in Meru have said they will push the government to source funds for the project which has the potential to transform the fast-growing town.
According to KeNHA Assistant Director Corporate Communications, Charles Njogu, the dual carriage will also have pedestrians walkways as well as footbridges.
It will connect both the eastern and western bypasses which originate at Gikumene and have been built by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority at a cost of $27.6 million.
The 8.8km western bypass links motorists to the Meru-Nanyuki road at Gitoro while those travelling to Maua and the National Park take the 12.6km eastern bypass, linking the Maua-Meru road at Kaaga Girls high school.
