Work Resumes at Enziu Bridge as State Releases Funds for Completion

Construction activity has intensified at the Enziu Bridge site in Kitui County, signaling a move toward the finalization of a project that has faced numerous hurdles since its inception. The site, located along the Nguni-Nuu road, has seen the deployment of heavy machinery and personnel as the contractor works to complete the substructure and move toward the bridge decking phase.

The resumption of work follows an intervention by the government to address financial bottlenecks that had previously grounded the project. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki recently confirmed that the National Treasury released Sh150 million to facilitate the completion of the bridge. This funding is intended to settle outstanding claims by the contractor and ensure that the remaining civil works proceed without further interruptions.

According to official records, the project was initially commissioned following the December 2021 tragedy, when 32 people lost their lives after a bus was swept away by flash floods at the river crossing. While the contract was awarded shortly after the accident, work stalled due to what officials described as payment disputes. The contractor had reportedly demanded Sh91 million in arrears before resuming operations on-site.

The Deputy President noted that the government has now cleared those specific arrears, with an additional Sh74 million set to be disbursed as the project reaches its final milestones. The total cost of the bridge project is estimated at Sh165 million. This figure reflects the revised budgetary requirements to ensure the structure is resilient enough to withstand the seasonal flash floods characteristic of River Enziu.

On the ground, crews are focusing on the reinforced concrete piers and the abutments that will support the main bridge span. The residents, who have long called for a permanent solution to the dangerous drift crossing, have expressed cautious optimism as the bridge begins to take shape. For years, the lack of a proper bridge has cut off transport between Mwingi Central and Mwingi East during the rainy seasons.

The Ministry of Roads and Transport has issued a directive to the contractor to ensure the bridge is ready for public use by the end of this year. There is a strict emphasis on meeting this deadline to avoid another season of transport paralysis in the region. Engineering teams are currently working to take advantage of the dry weather to complete the foundation works, which are the most vulnerable to river flow.

The Enziu Bridge is a critical link for the local economy, facilitating the movement of agricultural produce and providing safe passage for school children and commuters. The government has reiterated its commitment to monitoring the progress of the works closely to prevent any further stalling, citing the bridge as a priority safety project for the eastern region.