By Mugendi Kangichu
Four years ago the World Bank in partnership with Sweden Government supported a project to improve drainage channels across some walkaways within Embu town.
After constructing the system the WB handed over the project to the Embu County government graced by Governor Martin Wambora.
During the event held in September 2016 in the ever-busy town, residents requested the government to ensure that the trenches would be covered-something that has not been done to date.
Today, most of these ditches are blocked by solid waste, posing a risk of contracting waterborne diseases to residents who say they have had enough of the foul stench in the air.
Other than the illness risk, the residents said they had suffered injuries because of the uncovered trenches, especially at night when visibility is low.
During the construction, it was reported that a resident slipped in one of the trenches and seriously damaged his spinal cord. Traders say people slip into the ditches regularly acquiring minor injuries.
Covering these trenches will not only help to restrain possible accidents, but also provide more parking space for the big number of workers in the ever-growing town.
The raw sewage that flows through the channels compromises the residents’ health, especially young children who play near them and have meals in nearby eateries.
During the handover event, it was reported that the project would benefit over 200, 000 people who reside and work in the metropolis, a number that is shooting up.
