State to use Sh6b for road repair following heavy rains
Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia has said the ministry has put in place Sh6 billion to cater for the damaged road infrastructure in various parts of the country.
Macharia said the money, which is drawn from the fuel levy as emergency kitty, shall only be used in places where urgent measures are required.
Speaking in Murang'a on Monday, the CS said the transport sector has been worst hit by the the rains with the roads and bridges being cut off.
"We are using the money from the fuel levy which is reserved for emergency to take mitigative measures in the areas which have been badly affected," said Macharia.
He said his ministry is working closely with the military to lay bailey bridges in areas where transport has been completely cut off.
"For now, we are responding to individual cases but in the long run all the damages shall be fixed," added Macharia.
He however said the Sh6 billion may not be enough to repair all the damaged infrastructure saying they have proposed for invoking of some clauses for the treasury to be able to access emergency funds from other partners.
"World Bank has been a major supporter in giving the emergency funds through the National Treasury. It has always come through for us in such times," he added.
The CS, however, said a comprehensive assessment of the damage shall be done once the rains subside.
He pointed out that areas of West Pokot and Mandera are the most affected.
