Vihiga: The County Assembly of Vihiga on Tuesday resumed its sittings after a short recess and adopted a report on the progress of roads implemented under the Lease Programme for the Financial Year 2024/2025. The report, presented by the Assembly's Transport and Infrastructure Committee, was adopted during a plenary sitting presided over by Speaker Hon. Christopher Omulele.
According to Kenya News Agency, the motion seeking adoption of the report was moved by South Maragoli Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Eric Odei and seconded by Central Bunyore MCA Gladys Yalwala. The report was considered and adopted pursuant to Standing Order 197 of the County Assembly of Vihiga Standing Orders and in line with the Assembly's oversight mandate as provided for under Article 185 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
The committee undertook an oversight exercise across the county to assess the implementation and progress of roads being undertaken under the Lease Programme in the five sub-counties of Emuhaya, Sabatia, Luanda, Hamisi, and Vihiga. According to the report, the committee acknowledged notable progress made in the maintenance, rehabilitation, and opening up of roads in different parts of the county, which have contributed to improving accessibility and connectivity for residents.
However, members noted several challenges affecting the successful implementation of some projects. Among the concerns raised were incomplete drainage systems, inadequate installation of culverts, poor workmanship on certain road sections, delayed completion of works, and inconsistencies between reports submitted by the implementing department and observations made during site inspections. The committee also observed disparities in the level of road coverage and implementation progress across wards and sub-counties despite allocations made under the programme.
To address the identified gaps, the Assembly adopted a series of recommendations aimed at improving the delivery of road infrastructure projects. The recommendations require the Department of Roads and Public Works to strengthen reporting mechanisms and provide comprehensive status reports on all roads under the Lease Programme. The department was also urged to improve drainage infrastructure, expedite completion of pending works, ensure equitable distribution of resources across all regions, and enhance community participation in monitoring infrastructure projects.
Members who contributed to the debate emphasized the importance of accountability, quality workmanship, and timely completion of projects to ensure residents receive value for public resources invested in road development. The adoption of the report underscores the Assembly's commitment to effective oversight and ensuring that infrastructure projects are implemented efficiently to support economic growth and improve service delivery across Vihiga County.