The poor state of Moi South Lake Road in Naivasha has turned out to be a nightmare to the flower growers and players in the hospitality industry.
The government has failed in improving the state of the road. According to Sawela Lodges Managing Director Kimani Gitau, it has largely affected the number of local and international tourists visiting the area.
“The bumpy road is a nightmare for our customers and they are not hiding this fact after visiting our facilities,” said Gitau.
Former Nakuru Chamber of Commerce chairman Njuguna Kamau has weighed in on the worsening situation adding that the poor roads will cause a negative impact to the investors in the area.
“The potholes are not only damaging vehicles but also occasioning unnecessary delay for flower traders ferrying the perishable produce to the airport,” noted Kamau.
Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara revealed that the process of constructing the road was hindered after the bidders quoted high construction costs.
She has , however, promised to look into the matter.
“Sometimes back when I raised a concern on the state of the road, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure advertised for the construction of the road, only for us to be informed that the bidders quoted a higher figure than what was initially budgeted for."
"We were still in the dark about the procurement process until recently when I learnt there was an error during the tender opening process and that the procedure has to be done afresh,” said Kihara.