Garissa – The Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) has commenced repairs on the Garissa-Madogo road, severely damaged by recent floods. Work began with leveling operations and the unloading of marram at the Mororo section, signaling a swift response to restore this critical infrastructure.

According to Kenya News Agency, KeNHA officials have mobilized on site and initiated the repair efforts. Speaking at the site, Mwabudzo urged motorists and pedestrians to remain patient while the repair works are underway, predicting noticeable progress within three to four days. He also praised the cooperation between security officers and the public during this period, which prevented further disasters and facilitated the safe transportation of passengers and goods across the flooded areas by boat.

The disruption has significantly impacted local transportation, with boats charging Sh200 per head to ferry passengers to and from Garissa. Some residents, unable to afford the boat fees, resorted to wading through shoulder-high floodwaters. Mwabudzo encouraged the continuation of this collaborative spirit until the repair work is completed.

Local trader Patricia Ithanzu called for an acceleration of the road construction, highlighting the severe economic strain the damaged road has caused. She emphasized the necessity of maintaining high-quality repairs, noting the road’s importance as a major route to the North Eastern region. Ithanzu described the past three weeks as extremely challenging for local businesses, which faced increased transportation costs and were forced to raise their prices to avoid losses.

Boat operator Ken Waweru noted that while the ferrying service has been profitable during this period, he lamented the loss of lives due to the floods and called for a permanent resolution to the recurring issue. In response to the broader flood challenges, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, during his recent visit to Garissa, announced that the government plans to invest Shs1.2 billion in constructing a new bridge along the Garissa-Nairobi highway, aiming to mitigate future flooding impacts.

The county commissioner also provided an update on the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs), stating that those sheltered in schools have been relocated to other sites, with ongoing relief efforts supported by the government and NGOs. With floodwaters receding, the majority of displaced residents have started returning to their homes.