Prime Minister Raila Odinga Saturday at Mbita town launched the historical 43kilometres long Mbita -Homabay road to be constructed at a cost of 3.4billion Kenyan shillings.

The Premier, who hailed the project as a "major milestone'' geared towards opening up the lake region for socio-economic development, said that the road which will be upgraded to bitumen standards is expected to be completed in the next 30months.

He said that the government was committed to achieving the aspirations of the vision 2030 by improving infrastructural facilities in the whole country adding that the government will continue constructing roads all over the country to improve the communication network.

‘'As a government, we are taking major strides and investing in roads, electricity, water and roads all over the country because we know that infrastructure is key to economic development''. He said.

The PM regretted that forty six years after independence the main road leading to Rusinga Island, a highly prospective tourism hub had continue to be in an awful state.

‘'It is shameful that no road goes to the late Tom Mboya's final resting place despite the fact that he was a great statesman and one of the founding fathers of country. The PM noted.

Raila called on the contractor Put Sarajevo General Engineering Company to expedite the construction work and finish within the agreed time.

The PM however cautioned road users in the country to be cautious to avoid accidents that lead to unnecessary lose of life.

He also warned lorry drivers against overloading that leads to the decimation of our roads and called on the police especially at weigh not bridges not to compromise, but apprehend those contravening apt road use regulations.

The PM expressed optimism that the country will have a new constitution soon -and noted that most Kenyans were looking forward to a new constitutional dispensation.

"I am optimistic that we shall all agree and give this country the much awaited constitution''. He said adding that both the two Principals had deliberately opted to stay clear of the constitution making process to avoid influencing any side.

'This is a noble process as the constitution belongs not to us but to Kenya and to over 40 million Kenyans.'' He said.

However, the PM said that a referendum will be carried out since it is stipulated in the current statutes.

He was responding to calls by leaders who suggested that since there appears to be a consensus among Kenyans then there should no referendum but instead the funds earmarked for the same exercise be channeled to kazi kwa vijana programme to create additional employment opportunities for the youth.

Among those in attendance included ministers Franklin Bett, James Orengo,Otieno Kajwanga who also the Mbita MP.

Others were MPs Elizabeth Ongoro, John Pesa, James Rege,Omondi Anyango ,Paddy Ahenda among others



PMPS
Sat, Jan 23, 2010