Poor access roads are slowly becoming a thing of the past in the informal settlements of Mjini, Majengo and Gitimbine in Meru County.

Pictures seen by Wananchi Reporting show residents actively taking part in road repair works using simple hoes, sacks and soil.

Some of the locals engaged in the ongoing works as foremen and forewomen told Wananchi Reporting that they use locally available materials and skills, but anchored on Japanese traditional technology known as the Do-Nou technology.

Roads that previously had potholes and dust have undergone a facelift – thereby improving transportation in some of the marginalised areas.

According to the residents, the rehabilitation of the access roads has boosted trade activities which has enabled the communities to generate income.

“As a trader I am happy with the rehabilitation of the Meru dairy-Kailanya backstreet road that leads to Banana market,” said 33-year-old Susanna Karambu, a banana vendor at Kiorone market.

 “The improved roads have greatly helped traders get their goods to town on time, since it is a shorter route compared to the tarmac road,” she said.

Young men and women clad in reflector jackets have become a common site in most informal settlements in Meru.

“These are part of the 500 young men and women currently helping to work on the roads,” resident Engineer George Kaluma told Wananchi Reporting.  

According to Kaluma, the young men and women will be engaged in the project for a good three years, or three phases.

Residents told Wananchi Reporting that most of the beneficiaries are drawn from various informal settlements around Meru where many face biting financial challenges, especially during these tough economic times.

The project has created jobs for the marginalised people in the area, and in the process improved their livelihoods. 

The works also include repairing the drainage system to help curb the perennial problem of massive erosion that leaves deep gullies on the roads therefore hampering transportation of people and goods.

Road users in the area told Wananchi Reporting that they no longer waste a lot of time trying to navigate the road as was the case when the roads were impassable.

 “I am excited about the rehabilitation of this road. At least now we will be able to save money that would have been used for petrol. Young people have also been employed and that is a good thing, since it reduces idleness and crime in this area,” said Francis Mutethia, a bodoboda rider in Meru.

Since most youth are involved in the project, there is a feeling that crime rate has generally reduced.