The road project was implemented by the National Government through the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) and is part of the 10,000Km Low Volume Seal Roads (LVSR), which were pledged by the Government in order to open up rural Kenya.
Residents of Mariakani-Bamba have been awed and wowed since the completion of the road project.
According to Alex, a boda-boda operator, and a businessperson, he has seen a light at the end of the tunnel since it currently takes him approximately 45minutes to ride to Bamba unlike before. He approximately took close to 2hours to reach the destination due to potholes and the slippery road especially during the rainy season when he would even be stuck in the mud.
The maintenance cost of his bike has gradually reduced since the road is smooth and consumes less fuel cutting down on vehicle operating costs due to less time travel.
Convenience to the local hospital for the residents is also an added advantage since public transportation is readily available.
The dominant modes of transport in the area are boda-bodas, matatus, and the much-derided Toyota Probox.
The fares range between Sh250 for probox and boda-boda, and Sh200 for matatus unlike before whereby you could part with Sh500 and Sh400 respectively.
Kazungu, a matatu operator says that it currently takes him 1hr 30min to travel from Mariakani from Bamba town as opposed to 3hours before the construction.
Additionally, boda-bodas would charge Sh100 from Kiwandani to Bofa which has since reduced to Sh50. On a good day, a boda-boda operator makes close to four trips in a day compared to the one trip, which they could only manage in a day. A public Service Vehicle makes close to three trips in a day as opposed to one trip a day before the construction.
The Contractor, to provide water for the construction of the road, built approximately ten dams. The dams were later handed over to the residents, which have enhanced their lives, especially during the dry season through watering their livestock, consumption, and farming.
Good road infrastructure is a key element to industrial growth and in this case, it is evident, as heavy trucks have started plying the route transporting gypsum to a container freight yard, which was set up after completion of the road.
There is hence high likelihood that more industries shall arise along the road, which shall create more employment opportunities especially given that most land in the area is idle.
Landowners can now smile all the way to the bank since there has been an increase in the price of land. The average price of an acre of land was Sh30,000 and has since appreciated to Sh200,000.
A boom in business has also been recorded in the area. It takes Emmanuel Wanzai a shop owner at Bamba close to four hours coming from Mombasa town to transport his goods, unlike the previous seven hours.
At times, he buys from local suppliers who have since started stocking products from Mombasa due to improved transportation. Fish and miraa from Mombasa also reach the town in time while fresh, products that they were unable to enjoy before.
Tourism has been revitalized along the 6 km stretch from Kiwandani to Bofa. According to Joel, -a boda-boda operator- more tourists are now making their way to the beach hotels in Bofa since the road is smooth and less dusty.
The land around the area has greatly increased from Sh2 Million for an acre to Sh4 Million for the same as most of the land boarders the beach.
Security in the area is also guaranteed since patrol cars make a routine check around the area. It is thus evident that the road has occasioned a holistic turnaround in the fortunes of the area.
Topic: Robina - Infrastructure such as road have serious multiplier. (Read 2814 times)