Residents of Kivumbini Ward in Nakuru East sub county have raised concerns over the slow pace of a project assigned to one of the contractors.

The said contractor was expected to construct a storm water drainage system on Mumias Road that passes behind PCEA Dr. Arthur Church connecting all the way to Makuti area on the lower end towards Lake Nakuru National Park.

However, the work, despite starting earlier this year has stalled.

Tom Ondalo, a resident says the already dug tunnels are a hazard to the locals.

This even as a family in Manyani estate that borders the site is living with the scars of death of their sole bread winner who was carried away by storm water after he fell into the unfinished drainage system.

Read: How a night out turned tragic for 65-year-old

A month ago a child was also found dead in the same trench.

Mr. Francis Shinali from Nakuru East Neighbourhood Residents Association argues that it is wrong for a contractor to put the lives of locals at risk.

According to Shinali, all contractors have a responsibility to ensure safety of locals even as they undertake their projects.

Mtaa Wangu's effort to reach the contractor over the matter bore no fruits as calls and texts went unanswered.

However, one of the supervisors who did not want to be named admitted that the heavy downpour has been a great hindrance to the completion of the project.

He noted that whenever it rains, then they have to start again as all the concrete work is carried by the water leaving only the metal rods.

When Mtaa Wangu contacted the area MCA Neto Sakwa over the matter, he noted that it was sad that lives had been lost through the project.

He was however quick to point out that he has been pushing the contractor to have the work completed and the drainage system covered so as to avert any further disasters.

"I have visited the site severally and I even talked to the contractor to see on how he can expedite the project so that we cannot have further disasters. A life lost is a big blow to all of us," stated Sakwa.

pmambili@gmail.com

How unfinished drainage in Kivumbini has become a death trap for residents

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Pristone Mambili