Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja has visited the infamous Njiru footbridge which has been highlighted on social media as a danger to residents.
In a statement after visiting the area, Sakaja revealed the concrete slab that had been used for years by residents as a footbridge was initially intended to be a trunk sewer.
“Went to Njiru Ward at the site of the infamous “bridge” that’s been highlighted on social media. It’s an old trunk sewer that’s been used for decades by residents to cross. It shouldn’t be used as a bridge,” Sakaja said.
The governor noted that county engineers have already drawn a design to build a proper footbridge to be used by the residents.
“The sewer pouring into the drainage (it’s not the river) is as a result of illegal farming where farmers infiltrate the sewer blocking it so as to use the spillage for their farms. Our Engineers are unblocking the sewer line and we will deal with those perpetrating the illegality,” he added.
“My engineers have designed an alternative footbridge that pedestrians and bikes will be using at the correct place. We commence immediately.”
Sakaja says that once the new bridge is complete, residents will not be allowed to use the trunk sewer.
“We have agreed with the residents that once the bridge is complete the Trunk Sewer will no longer be used as a path,” he said.
The governor did not however reveal the estimated cost of the new bridge.
