Residents and business owners in Migori town are escalating pressure on both the national and county governments to fast-track the reconstruction of the Migori Town Bridge, which has remained closed since February.

The vital structure on the A1 highway, a crucial transit corridor connecting Kisii to the Isebania border and Kuria sub-county hubs such as Kehancha, Ndimaru, and Ntimaro, was shut down by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) after heavy flooding along River Migori washed away protective upstream gabions, compromising its structural integrity.

Led by Bunge La Mwananchi Chairperson Charles Osewe, community members expressed deep frustration over the prolonged disruption to local trade and daily commuting.

Residents pointed to repeated unfulfilled promises regarding the commencement of repairs, specifically citing commitments made by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi during recent local visits.

Fed up with the stagnation, resident groups have threatened to stage widespread demonstrations tomorrow to compel swift government action.

Responding to the growing public outcry, a joint committee representing local industry sectors urged calm.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Migori Civil Society Chairperson Tobias Ogola confirmed that a team of engineers is currently on site conducting a second feasibility study to thoroughly assess the bridge’s safety before physical construction can safely begin.

Meanwhile, the prolonged closure continues to severely strain alternative transport routes, most notably the unpaved Nyamware-Zamzam bypass.

Heavy rerouted traffic on the murram road has generated intense dust pollution, disrupting roadside businesses, creating serious traffic hazards, and raising public health concerns for nearby families.

Local residents maintain that until physical reconstruction officially kicks off, commercial activity and daily transport across the region will remain severely crippled.