By Erick Otieno
Residents of Migori town woke up to a rude shock after a key bridge linking Suna West and Suna East constituencies was damaged following heavy rainfall that has been pounding many parts of the country since Friday last week.
The downpour caused River Migori to break its banks, submerging sections of the central business district and disrupting business operations throughout the day. Traders counted losses as floodwaters swept through shops and access roads, leaving transport temporarily paralysed.
Speaking to the press, former Migori legislator John Pesa described the situation as alarming, noting that the damaged bridge is a critical link between the two constituencies. He recalled that during his tenure in the 10th Parliament, the larger Migori Constituency was divided into Suna West and Suna East, making the bridge an essential connection.
Pesa criticized what he termed as poor workmanship by some contractors, alleging that substandard construction has contributed to repeated infrastructure failures. He cited another bridge connecting Nyikendo and Migori that was swept away the previous night, leaving motorists stranded. He also referenced a footbridge linking Kadika area and Migori TTC, which he said had previously been destroyed by floods.
He further faulted Kenya National Highways Authority for failing to construct a bypass during the upgrading of the Kisii–Isibania Highway, arguing that such a project would have provided an alternative route during emergencies. At the same time, he commended former governor Okoth Obado for initiating the construction of Kiringi Bridge, which has now become the only viable route for motorists.
Migori County Commissioner Kisilu Mwilu confirmed that engineers from the highways authority had assessed the damaged bridge and temporarily cleared it for use. However, he noted that heavy trucks weighing 20 tonnes and above would be allowed to cross only in shifts as reinforcement works continue.
Mwilu urged residents living in low-lying areas to relocate to higher ground, warning that rainfall is expected to continue until the end of the month.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Governor Ochilo Ayacko advised residents to take precautionary measures as the rains persist.
He said his administration, through the Department of Disaster Management and other multi-sectoral agencies, is working closely to restore normalcy.
Suna West MP Peter Masara called on the national government, particularly disaster response agencies and the highways authority, to act swiftly to stabilize the situation and prevent further damage.
Last week, the Kenya Meteorological Department issued an advisory warning Kenyans of heavy rainfall expected between 21st and 25th February, urging those in flood-prone zones to move to safer, elevated areas.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as residents grapple with the aftermath of the floods and uncertainty over transport and business operations.
