Photo: (monitor.co.ug)
The Kitale–Lodwar–Juba highway has been completely cut-off thereby hurting the region’s economy and frustrating business between Kenya and South Sudan.
The road which was cut off road at Lous in West Pokot last Sunday following a heavy downpour is the only major highway linking Kenya and southern South Sudan and has cut off traders operating between the two countries.
Many traders use the road to transport fresh produce, an assortment of food items, and construction materials, among other goods.
The situation has stalled truck drivers and motorists for days now, with the business community operating the highway now decrying its current state and urging the Kenyan government to speed up rehabilitation. Vehicular traffic is at a standstill, on both sides of the highway.
The curfew imposed in Turkana South between Lokichar and Kainuk has complicated matters leading to delays and increased costs for transportation of goods and passengers.
Loaded trucks have been parked in Makutano, Ortum, and Kainuk towns.
Many traders have resorted to using the Uganda route through Mbale, Lira-Gulu, and Kabong to South Sudan.
“It is difficult to use the Lokichoggio route during this time of heavy rainfall and you could spend up to two weeks on the way,” said Simon Tumkou, a businessman from Kapenguria.
Traders ferrying perishable goods such as tomatoes and green vegetables from Kitale and Kapenguria to Lodwar lament at incurring huge losses as their goods go bad before reaching their destination due to the poor state of roads, and especially during the rainy season.
The situation has seen a food shortage hit Turkana County, more so in the Turkwel area.
John Chege, a businessman who plies the South Sudan route says many trucks ferrying commodities are no longer doing so because it is hard to pass through Lous and Lochwa areas.
“My entire consignment of fresh food and vegetables rotted after I got stranded at Kambi Kayara over the weekend,” he said.
Alice Nanyama who sells fresh vegetables says that Lodwar, Kakuma, and Lokichoggio markets bear the greatest brunt of losses.
“We are also at the mercy of armed bandits who take advantage of the bad road to ambush and rob road users,” she said.
John Ekai said the situation is a big blow to the region’s economy because it affects transport and trade.
“The crisis has dealt a serious blow to business, transportation of goods and passengers due to frequent delays,” he said.
Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) West Pokot County chairman Mark Lotee said the road has discouraged traders from operating markets in South Sudan.
“Turkana County depends on food from Kitale, Kapenguria, Chepareria, and Ortum towns,” he said, noting that this no longer tenable as many truckers and matatu operators have pulled out of the road.
“Several investors have either pulled out of business, while those willing to invest in Southern Sudan are hindered by the poor state of the road,” said Mr Lotee.
He urged the government to repair the road to enable Kenyans to invest and take advantage of opportunities in the neighbouring country.
“The road is an important link to the developing South Sudan, where Kenyans can invest,” he said.
Dennis Omoi, a driver who has used the road for over 20 years expressed frustration with the current state.
“I have used this road for the past 20 years to make a living. This time round things have turned upside down. We have been here for days and shall again stay at Lochwaa for a few more,” he said, noting that the curfew at Kainuk is also affecting motorists.
He urged the government to prioritise the reconstruction of the road.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has started works to provide a diversion using heavy construction equipment between Lous market and Kambi Karaya in West Pokot County.
KENHA engineers on site are evaluating the extent of the damage and have established alternative routes, diverting the road to ensure that travellers can continue their journeys while road reconstruction is ongoing.
KeNHA North Rift Regional Director, Philemon Kipkoech said their officers were also on site, managing traffic and clarified that alternate path had been provided on both sides of the road to ensure smooth movement of vehicles while repairs to the main road are ongoing.
“After the road was damaged by floods, we offered a road diversion on both sides. One side is designated for heavy commercial vehicles and the other, for smaller ones,’’ he said.
He reassured motorists that by Tuesday, the culvert will be installed, and the road expected to be open by Thursday at the latest.
Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/kenya-south-sudan-major-highway-cut-off-by-floods-4617600
Newer articles:
- What South Sudan Can Learn from Neighboring Gold Producers - 14/05/2024 20:27
- Pope Francis appoints Irish priest as new Papal Nuncio to South Sudan - 14/05/2024 20:18
- Sudan civil war: 200 settlements hit by fires since start of conflict as scorched earth tactics intensify - 14/05/2024 20:10
- UN, South Sudan make progress on tax impasse - 14/05/2024 19:26
- South Sudan: Humanitarian Access Snapshot (April 2024) - 14/05/2024 19:23
Older news items
- Family of journalist Christopher Allen, killed in South Sudan condemn ‘deeply flawed’ inquiry - 09/05/2024 16:37
- Egypt establishes technical high school in South Sudan - 09/05/2024 16:34
- South Sudan: Bishop links missing priest to ethnic, political divides - 09/05/2024 16:30
- Ethiopia Minister of Water and Energy to Attend South Sudan Energy Summit - 09/05/2024 16:25
- Atrocity Alert No. 394: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, South Sudan and Central African Republic - 09/05/2024 16:07
Latest news items (all categories):
- UN experts say South Sudan is close to securing a $13 billion oil-backed loan from a UAE company - 18/05/2024 11:54
- DRC, South Sudan units top Equity’s earnings in first quarter - 18/05/2024 11:49
- Innuendos and tittle tattle of Kiir's regime - 18/05/2024 11:44
- South Sudan government, rebel groups sign pact to achieve lasting peace - 18/05/2024 09:58
- إلى متى ينظر الجميع إلى الفيل و يطعنون ظله..؟ - 15/05/2024 21:51
See also (all categories):
Random articles (all categories):
- Video: Yes We Believe Africa (Official Music Video) - 13/11/2011 00:00
- South Sudan: Former VP Machar Announces 'Resistance' Movement - 04/02/2014 07:02
- PfR advises South Sudan on new strategic plan that ‘integrates community resilience into humanitarian assistance’ - 05/04/2018 14:13
- Mass Measles campaign completed in Malakal - 26/02/2007 22:29
- No Conflict exists between the Dinka and the Shilluk in Upper Nile - 26/01/2009 19:00
Popular articles:
- Who is the darkest person in the world, according to Guinness World Record? - 25/10/2022 02:34 - Read 35786 times
- No oil in troubled waters - 25/03/2014 15:02 - Read 21877 times
- School exam results in South Sudan show decline - 01/04/2012 17:58 - Read 20770 times
- NDSU student from South Sudan receives scholarship - In-Forum - 29/09/2012 01:44 - Read 17464 times
- With prisons full, South Sudan to introduce mobile courts to clear backlog of cases - 11/10/2012 11:29 - Read 14237 times