Many passengers using the Lodwar-Kitale road were left stranded for more than 16 hours at the banks of Marich river, after the heavy rains that are pounding many places in the country, caused overfilling of the river, breaking the Marich pass bridge. This is as a result of the rainy season that has seen most parts of West Pokot and Turkana South Districts affected. Speaking, to Radio Akicha, one of the victims, John Ewoi, who was travelling to Lodwar from Nairobi said, they arrived at Marich yesterday, some hours after 9.00 pm, and spent the whole night at banks of the river. He said they waited till today at midday when the level of water came down. They crossed the river with a lot of difficulties since the bridge was not in its proper position. Elsewhere at Kalemungorok and Kakongu rivers, the passengers were also delayed for so long following the overfilling of the rivers. This has happened a day after students from Turkana Girls Secondary, were delayed by an overflowing river Kospir. The passengers have blamed the government for not taking the matter of repairing the road seriously adding that Marich Pass bridge, Kalemngorok and Kakongu should be prioritised for repair.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
LOCAL NEWS – 17.04.2010 - BODA BODA ADVISED. By Peter Lokatur.
Lodwar-based boda-boda Youth Welfare Association chief adviser, Mr. Paul Eyanae today urged all the boda-boda operators to be keen when riding especially at such a time when the entire region is experiencing heavy rains. Speaking to Radio Akicha reporter in his office, Eyanae said since the rains commenced the roads have been muddy, slippery and many potholes have developed as a result of the floods makes it tricky to ride safely. He called upon the motorists to be very careful when driving around the town so as to reduce the number of accidents in the region.
He added that the government through the municipal council of Lodwar has to do something concerning the worsening condition of the roads linking the larger Turkana region to other parts of the country so as to easen the activities of the business fraternity. He further asked the boda-boda motorists to turn up in good numbers for the acquisition of insurance covers for their motorbikes in the Lodwar main office since the process has been eased. Initially the process has been very much slow and procedures since it involved travelling outside the region but now it has been brought close to the clients.
Eyanae urged Non-Governmental Organisations operating in the region to always remember to boost the activities of the boda-boda youth by offering them financial support.
The heavy rains that have been pounding the country have destroyed infrastructure in many parts of the nation. In Turkana, where most of the consumer goods plus other important items are brought in from various parts of the country, things have been difficult with the damage of Kitale-Lodwar Highway due the deluge. The most affected parts are Marich, Kalemungorok and Kakong. Travelers and business fraternity have called upon the authority to repair the damaged parts to spare them from agony and losses.
LOCAL NEWS – 16.04.2010 - RAINS CONTINUES CAUSING HAVOC. By OKOTH PETER.
The Lodwar-Kitale Highway was rendered impassable in various parts following the on-going rains in various parts of the country.
In Marich, where the road has been damaged for many days, several vehicles could be seen stranded.
Another spot which badly needs urgent repair is Kakong where short diversion has not helped at all.
The longer the damaged highway remains the more losses business fraternity continue suffering. Those who sell perishable goods in Lodwar, Kakuma and Lokichoggio are the ones who have suffered great losses when they go bad before arrival.
Transit Goods transporters have also complained of staying longer than they are supposed to because of the damage.
Posts
