Sh16.4bn road project halts as firm barred from mining

Expansion of the James Gichuru Road up to Rironi has stopped after a Chinese company was barred from mining in Maai Mahiu quarries for 14 days.

China Wu Yi was on Saturday stopped from mining by the National Environmental Committee.  Maai Mahiu residents complained that the blasts from the mines are destroying their houses. They also reported livestock deaths and a lot of dust. 

The stones and quarry chips from the quarries are compacted to make the surface of the road firm. The 26km road on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway is being funded by World Bank. It will cost Sh16.4 billion.

People in Uthiru, Kinoo, Gitaru, Kiambaa and Rironi are complaining that they are now unable to access the main road because of the poor state of the road. Some leave their vehicles at home and walk to bus stages.

"I'm now using matatus these days. I have two cars. There are deep terraces near my gate, which need to be filled up," Kinoo resident Simon Ngere said.

Maai Mahiu residents said their houses have developed cracks and some people have developed respiratory problems because of the dust from the mines. "Some people are coughing continuously, something we suspect could be caused by the dust," resident Paul Kihara said.

The Chinese company has, however, claimed there is political incitement. A senior official, who sought anonymity, said they use wet crushing techniques and the dust does not blow more than a radius of 500 metres.

"Our sprinklers always water the area around the quarries to reduce dust," the official said.

However, the officials declined further comment, saying there are talks between the Kenya National Highway Authority, the committee and the Nakuru government.

Kinoo residents have asked President Uhuru Kenyatta and Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui to intervene and 'save the road project'.

Kiambu politician Gladys Chania said public participation was needed to avoid interruption of projects.

The project has been faced with problems as some people threatened to sue for compensation. People Affected by the Project (PAP)  said they are counting losses after tenants vacated their flats and business buildings.

PAP Kimani Njuki said some had secured bank loans and are left selling other properties to pay the loans. "We have gone to ministries, Parliament, the Senate, the Ombudsman's offices, the Kenya National Human Rights Commission and other institutions but we have never seen justice," Njuki said.

Businessman Kevin Ndonga said people affected by World Bank projects are compensated before the projects start.