Deadly bridge: Mwea residents raise alarm over stalled construction of bridge, say their lives are in danger

Residents of Kiumbu and South Ngariama villages in Mwea Constituency, Kirinyaga County, have raised concerns over the stalled construction of the Kiumbu Bridge across the Thiba-Nyamindi River, citing serious safety risks.

According to residents led by Johnson Muthike, the incomplete project has forced locals to make dangerous river crossings, leading to injuries and, in some cases, the deaths of boda boda riders at night.

During a visit to Kiumbu village, where she presided over the handover of a new market, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru was urged by Tebere Ward MCA Peter Karinga and residents to push the national government to prioritize the bridge project. They demanded urgent action to resume construction, which has been stalled for more than three years.

“Residents are forced to use unsafe footbridges during the rainy season, and the lack of proper bridges is causing undue hardship to learners from South Ngariama, especially during examinations,” MCA Karinga said.

Local resident Peter Wambugu added that the bridge contractor abandoned the site years ago, leaving only a watchman behind.

“It’s been over four years since the contractor left. We don’t know whether funding was stopped or what went wrong, but we need this bridge to connect Kiumbu and South Ngariama residents in Tebere and Murinduko wards,” he said.

MCA Karinga further noted that the absence of the bridge has subjected residents to long detours and reduced access to health services, particularly the Kiumbu Health Centre, for those coming from South Ngariama.

Pastor Peter Mwai echoed the concerns, saying completion of the project would significantly improve local connectivity, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and stimulate economic growth.