Some leaders and residents from Garissa county have expressed concern over the quality of works currently being undertaken on the Kismayu dual carriageway.
The project also includes the construction of two bridges, which are set to improve connectivity and enhance transport efficiency in the region.
The dual carriageway has been designed to extend from the Tana River bridge to Modika.
However, there has been concern over the works, with some calling on the relevant agencies to stop the construction altogether.
The road, which is under the Kenya National Highways Authority, has already started developing potholes even before it is completed.
Environment CS Aden Duale is the latest to voice his concern, demanding that the contractor be held accountable for any shoddy job on the road.
Speaking in Garissa town, Duale called on the contractor to stick to the bill of qualities required during construction.
“As government, we will not accept anything short of quality work. This I am speaking on behalf of my colleague the CS for Transport Davis Chirchir,” Duale said.
“I am instructing the national government representatives in Garissa to identify the contractor responsible and make sure that things are done the way they are supposed to be done.”
Duale said infrastructure development is key in accelerating development reiterating that the Kenya Kwanza government is keen on investing heavily on roads in the region and the country at large.
Counties in the region are Wajir, Mandera and Garissa, and which have historically struggled with inadequate infrastructure.
Residents are often forced to look for essentials services in other parts of the country.
Speaking separately Baraki Ward MCA Hassan Geley expressed dissatisfaction with the road’s construction.
He wants the project halt if quality work is not guaranteed.
Hassan compared the Kismayu Road construction to a dual carriageway built in Turkana, arguing that the quality of the Garissa project was significantly inferior.
“This road has developed potholes in less than three months. It was meant to be a landmark for Garissa but going by what we are seeing on the ground, it will just be another waste of taxpayers money unless the government acts tough,” he said.
He added, “We cannot sit and watch as they do substandard and shoddy work on an essential road. It’s either a superhighway/dual carriage way or no road at all. I hope KeNHA will either cancel the contract or ensure quality work.”
The MCA highlighted the challenges motorists face due to the poor state of the road, saying that the confusion caused by the construction has led to accidents, particularly at the junction of Ngamia Road.
