The government has taken another step towards the construction of a new Nithi River Bridge after publishing the names of more than 100 landowners set to be compensated for land required for the project.
In a notice published by the National Land Commission (NLC), the affected landowners were asked to verify their ownership documents ahead of compensation for land earmarked for compulsory acquisition.
The compensation exercise is expected to pave the way for the construction of the new bridge and the realignment of the busy Meru Nairobi highway, a section that has witnessed numerous fatal road accidents over the years.
The planned project is expected to improve road safety at the notorious Nithi black spot, which has claimed dozens of lives in separate accidents involving buses, lorries and private vehicles.
According to the notice, compensation will only be made to people whose ownership documents have been verified by the commission. Those with interests in the affected land have also been asked to present the necessary documents during the verification process.
The new bridge forms part of the government’s plan to ease traffic flow and reduce accidents along the busy highway that connects Meru and other parts of the Upper Eastern region with Nairobi.
The compensation process marks a key milestone before construction begins, with the government expected to acquire the required parcels of land for the project.
The proposed bridge has been welcomed by many road users who have long called for improvements at the accident prone section, saying the existing bridge and its steep approach have contributed to many fatal crashes over the years.
Once completed, the project is expected to enhance road safety, improve transport and boost trade by providing a safer and more efficient route for motorists travelling between Nairobi, Embu, Meru and neighbouring counties.
