Poor drainage systems have been attributed to the deteriorating state of rural roads especially during the rainy seasons when they become impassable.
According to a section of traders from Gesima ward in Kitutu Masaba Constituency, little emphasis given to drainage when rehabilitating roads in the area results in damaged roads soon after the onset of the rains.
Led by Charles Mogeni, the chairperson of a local self help group, the traders said they have incurred losses since many roads are impassible especially the Iranya-Esani road which they highly depend on.
They have appealed to the county government through to make sure contractors repairing roads put up the required drainage system to contain run-off water.
“We have come to notice that the poor drainage system during construction is the result of bad roads when it rains,” said Mogeni
Edwin Nyasimi said that run-off water floods roads in the area destroying them in a few weeks and eroding the gains made through rehabilitation.
He added that if all roads that are constructed and repaired with proper drainage systems, they can last longer and enable traders transport their goods more easily.
“For instance, the road that was recently constructed by the county government from Gesima to Bokione has started developing potholes. It cannot stay for a long time unless they revisit and set up a proper drainage system,” he said.