Africa-Press – Kenya. The Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) announced plans to use solar panels to power street lights on the multi-billion road project that retired President Uhuru Kenyatta initiated.
According to Moses Muteo, an engineer with the national body, the move aims to protect the Mombasa-Southern Bypass, commonly known as Dongo Kundu, from the increased vandalism of road furniture.
In addition, Muteo on Saturday, December 3, noted that KeNHA has initiated a pilot phase in installing solar panels.
“We are suggesting using solar panels, we are doing trials at the moment.
“KENHA wants to utilise what has not been stolen to make a new system that will be supported by solar,” Muteo stated.
Furthermore, the engineer announced that the construction of the project is expected to be complete by March 2024, with 70 per cent already achieved.
The construction of the road, expected to connect residents between Mombasa and Kwale without using the ferry, began in 2015.
Notably, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), on November 11, announced plans use non-metallic fibre and reinforced polymers to reduce vandalism on highways.
This was part of a strategy to promote sustainable non-metallic solutions and reduce long-term corrosion costs.
“It is sad to note that the culture of vandalism is threatening the enjoyment of these facilities,” KURA stated.
In October 2022, residents along the Ksh8.5 billion Outer Ring Road complained of the defaced road by unknown people.
“As citizens eventually we are the ones paying the price, the government will have to restore the road using funds diverted from another project or increasing taxes,” one of the residents lamented.
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