KeNHA closes Migori River bridge, warns public against using it till repairs are done

The Kenya National High Way Authority (KeNHA) has indefinitely closed Migori footbridge along the Isebania–Sare (A1) Road following structural damage caused by rising water levels on River Migori and cautioned the public against using it until the proper repair is done.

This comes after Migori County disaster Management team carried out a collective surveillance of the bridge, and discovered a sagged rails caused by the shakes from the turbulence of the flooding Sare river.

“The gabions at the banks were eroded and weakened leading to weak anchorage of the bridge and this is a risk to both motorists and pedestrians.” said Paul Odhiambo, one of the County officials.

He said that the government had instructed families living along the banks of the river to vacate their homes and move to uplands to avoid danger.

He further appealed to parents to discourage their young children from taking cows to the river or walking near the bridge to avoid drowning.

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In a notice letter seen by Education News, the Kenya National Highway Authority in conjunction with Migori Government closed the bridge connecting Migori – Isebania Highway indefinitely and for consequent repair after the heavy rain.

This comes after Migori County Governor Ochilo Ayacko urged parents to take care of their children who are coming home for mid-term break from school from danger of the heavy rain in the region.

Migori County Commissioner Mutua Kisilu commended the teams for taking early response to avert any impending disaster. He said that according to Kenya Meteorological report many parts of the country will receive torrents of rain for the rest of this month.

Elsewhere, some of the traders especially those who sell fish and second hand clothes near town are counting losses after some of their merchandise was swept away by the heavy rain water.

“Seven basket of my fish worth Ksh40,000 was washed down the stream by the sudden swelling of the river as a results of heavy downfalls on Saturday.” Said Mary Anyango, one of the traders

She appealed to any well-wisher to assist her with any amount of money to restart the fish mongering business which she said she depends on to educate her four children.

In the previous years, Migori County experienced similar devastating floods, with 10 reported deaths and over 840 individuals affected, including 70 households displaced. The floods damaged 10 schools, 6 dispensaries, and 10 roads, disrupting community livelihoods.

Enock Okong’o.