Residents in Juja have called upon their leaders to construct the bridge linking Juja farm and Murera Daraja estate in Theta ward, Kiambu County.
The residents have to skillfully cross a makeshift bridge by stepping on stones placed on it, with a great risk of falling into the river. The stones were placed there by youths after a Member of the County Assembly (MCA) paid them Sh1000 to do the job, as one of the quick solutions to the problem. A section of youth is said to have taken advantage of the situation to make some money by offering a supportive hand, at a fee, for those wishing to cross the bridge. Women and children are the most affected because they fully rely on these youths.Hannah Wambui, who is physically challenged, narrated how one day she was forced to spend the night at the bridge because there was no one around to assist her to cross the river. “Recently I slept on this side of the road, inside a car because of this bridge. No car or motorbike could dare cross. I urge our leaders to construct this bridge, it is a lifeline for this place. They should know a promise is a debt, let them keep their word,” said Wambui, as quoted by Capital FM.On Thursday last week, a bodaboda operator narrowly escaped death when he plunged into the river while trying to cross over to the other side. The youth who assist residents to cross the bridge acted fast and got him out of the river.A primary teacher is reported to have drowned in the river when crossing over on his way to school.