Social media users have mocked Nyeri senatorial aspirant Ephraim Maina for commissioning a semi-permanent wooden bridge.
Mr Maina landed in a chopper at Kabaru location, in Kieni East, to commission the temporary bridge built by the local community together with area MCA Duncan Gituanja. The bridge is valued to be worth Sh7,800. SONG AND DANCE The flamboyant billionaire road contractor was received by the residents with songs and dance while a group of women wearing red, black and white attires ululated.
While addressing the residents, the MCA said he lobbied for the construction of the bridge connecting Gachini and Kinyua wa Mweru villages from the former Mathira MP.
He also divulged that some materials had been donated by the local Forest Service officers. Mr Maina was photographed cutting a string held by a woman and a man from the two ends to indicate that he had formally launched it.
A young man stood beside him with a vuvuzela. He later boarded a waiting canter-lorry to carry him across the bridge, apparently to confirm that the bridge was firm to support heavy weights.
“The bridge is now complete. Residents will not be landlocked again. Thanks to Hon. Engineer Ephraim Maina for your support,” said Mr Gituanja. He explained that the bridge broke down almost a year ago and the local administration declined to repair. MIXED REACTIONS Mr Maina’s presence and move to commission the project elicited mixed reactions at equal measure with some saying he wasted chopper’s fuel.
“Those criticizing the project are not local residents and therefore they do not understand how helpful it is,” noted the MCA. Blogger Robert Alai led the attack team creating a view that the project was petty. “This politician landed in a chopper to open a useless wooden bridge. We need to decide on leaders to elect,” posted Mr Alai on his Facebook page. However, others came to his defence saying the project was viable.
“The current county administration failed to pay attention to the call to the people who voted for them. Mr Maina heeded their call and built a foot bridge. He was invited to witness the progress and how the footbridge he built connected two regions and made people’s lives easier. I will never fight development,” said one Sandra Mungai.
“We should be thankful to people who are doing something no matter little it is, they are moving the country ahead. Let us criticize those doing mouth business but has nothing to show,” said Mwas Mwangi. “You ride in Sh100 million helicopter to come and open a wooden bridge…what a shame,” said Shadrack Sambu.
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