Residents of Theta ward in Juja, Kiambu county pooled together funds to reconstruct a bridge ruined by heavy rains in April.
The push via Whatsapp groups raised Sh472, 000 within a month, a move that has shocked area MP George Koimburi who has been making empty promises regarding the bridge.
Word has it he wondered how residents without politicians’ supported accomplished such within weeks.
The initial makeshift bridge on Ruiru river was built by the community in 2016.
Connecting Juja and Ruiru sub-counties, it was a lifeline for residents of Ngoma Tupu, Gwa Tom, Karia and Ndururumo estates before the downpour washed it away.
Few residents led by Alfred Lang’at embarked on raising funds to fix the barriers which had been knocked down by furious bloods, posing grave danger to those who risked to use it.
They formed an eight-member committee that included engineers and in weeks’ time they raised Sh472, 000 to restore the bridge.
“Residents, schools, churches, matatu operators and our MCA contributed. We rebuild it better with reinforced bank walls and bollards to avert vehicles from slipping into the river” Lang’at said.
He said they decided to act fast to avoid tragedies as children and drunkards walked on the barrier-less ramp oblivious of dangers.
“We saw government was active in some areas but only after a calamity struck, claiming lives and destroying properties. We did not want to wait for such for the bridge to be rebuilt” he said.
Francis Thiong’o, a resident applauded the initiative saying they are now pushing for a wider, studier bridge that will accommodate heavy vehicles and ease traffic jams witnessed there during rush hours.
“This one serves one car at a time. It is a temporary solution and we will not stop asking for a stronger, two-way traffic one” Thiong’o said.
