Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama has revealed the circumstances behind the cancellation of road tenders that had been given to local contractors earlier this year, a decision that sparked protests from constructors.
Nyagarama diverted over Sh150 million to the State-owned, Mechanical Trust Fund which has since embarked on road construction activities across the county, contrary to expectations of local contractors.
And in his first address over the matter, months after the decision, he accused local contractors of derailing development projects in his county and maintained that he would always act when things ‘do not work’.
“It’s always proper to award local contractors the tenders because they belong to us. Local people are important in matters development but it amuses me that the same people can decide to do shoddy job hence making me look bad,” he said.
“I have no regrets over the cancellation of the tenders and awarding them to MTF because it’s doing a good job. People can’t use the local factor to hold me hostage on matters development. I will always crack the whip when things go wrong,” he added.
He, however, maintained that the local people will be considered in all contracts on condition that they deliver.
“What I want to see is people working whether you come from around all not. Ultimately, residents will accuse me in case there is a delay in service delivery,” he said.