By Christopher Omondi.
The state of the Migosi Hospital-Kondele primary access road in Migosi ward, Kisumu County, has prompted residents to raise concerns with the county government over the bumpy and pitted condition of the road. This has made it difficult for institutions in the area, which include the Migosi-Lolwe police post, the Migosi ward administrator’s office, and Migosi market, to connect with the Lolwe main road and the Kakamega road. The concerns are primarily due to budget constraints and delays in the procurement process, as highlighted by the residents.
“The delays in this project are a result of insufficient funding allocated for it by the county. There have also been claims that the county government prioritises projects based on urgency and impact, which leads to delays in other important parts of the road for political ambitions, despite road maintenance being included in the budget. This includes provisions for county road maintenance activities and the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP 2), which has a budget of 1.4 billion, funded by the World Bank to improve living conditions, including infrastructure, water works, sewer works, and electrical works,” said Malick Odiyo, a member of a local Community-Based Organisation.
The poor state of the road has resulted in numerous inconveniences for residents and road users, including limited connectivity, safety risks, economic impacts, and restricted access to healthcare and security forces, despite it being budgeted for initially in the 2023/24 budget. As residents voiced.
“The impact of the poor conditions on this road has limited connectivity since it links with the Lolwe main road. Improved connectivity on this route will enhance livelihoods, as its current poor state hinders the movement of goods and services; consequently, businesses in the area are affected. The bad conditions also contribute to delays in emergency response services, pose accident risks for motorists and pedestrians, and cause wear and tear on vehicles, leading operators to incur numerous unplanned repairs. This road was budgeted for in the county budget for the financial year 2023/24, with overall responsibility assigned to the Chief Officer of Infrastructure, Energy, and Public Works for Kisumu County,” said Anne Awuor, a resident.
In conclusion, the Migosi Hospital-Kondele primary route plays a vital role in connecting residents to essential services, including Kondele Primary School, Migosi market, Migosi hospital, and Migosi-Lolwe Police Station. However, the poor state of the road poses significant challenges. To address these issues, it is essential for the county government to prioritise the maintenance and upgrade of this critical road. This could involve implementing sustainable maintenance strategies and engaging with local stakeholders to ensure that community needs are met.
