Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua says the government is mobilizing Kshs 139 billion to pay road contractors so that they can resume construction works.
Gachagua said the dues owed to the contractors will be settled soon.
The Deputy President spoke in Ndaragwa, Nyandarua county, during the homecoming ceremony of the Cabinet Secretary for East Africa Community (EAC), Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Development Rebecca Miano.
Gachagua said construction of the stalled Shamata-Kariamu road, located in Ndaragwa, will resume soon.
“It is the time we are mobilising funds. We found empty coffers. We are mobilising funds amounting to Kshs 139 billion to pay the contractors and we are close to obtain the same. Contractors will be paid,” said Gachagua.
Underlining importance of good transport infrastructure to the socio-economic development of the country, Deputy President said it was regrettable that farm produce in Nyandarua was going to waste because roads to the market are impassable.
“It is inconsiderable that farm produce goes to waste in Nyandarua due to poor roads. Both the national and weather roads will be improved,” said the DP adding that the Kenya Kwanza administration will work with the county government of Nyandarua to improve road network in the area.
Also to be addressed is completion of Kirima water project and rehabilitation of water dams such as Pesi.
Observing that Ndaragwa constituency is a neglected and low developed area which is often hit by drought, Gachagua promised that the area will be listed as a hardship one and the residents would also be supplied with relief food.
He also asked the national government administrators to work closely with elected leaders.
He was accompanied by Cabinet secretaries Ezekiel Machogu (Education), Florence Bore (Labour and Social Services) and Zachariah Kariuki Njeru (Lands) as well as Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha, Senator John Methu and local MP George Gachagua.
Others present were religious, community and political leaders including Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, Ol Joro Orok MP Michael Muchira and Nyandarua County Assembly Speaker Wachira Waiganjo among others.