River Kuja bridge in Nyatike, Migori County. [File, Standard]
Motorists and pedestrians using the Migori Main Bridge along the Kisii–Migori–Isebania highway have raised an alarm over the widening cracks and sagging sections, warning that the bridge is a disaster waiting to happen.
The bridge, which connects Migori Town to Kuria East, Kuria West, Suna West, Suna East and Awendo Constituencies and crosses into Tanzania, is one of the busiest crossings in Nyanza. However, it has been neglected by authorities.
In recent weeks, new cracks have appeared on the deck and on the concrete supports, with visible gaps that allow water to seep through during rains.
On Monday night, a part of the road on the bridge collapsed, leaving a huge hole that poses danger to the lives of motorists and pedestrians who rely on the bridge while crossing from Suna East to Suna West Constituencies.
"We cross the bridge every day because we do not have an alternative, but it is dangerous, " Millicent Adhiambo, who relies on the bridge every day when going to sell vegetables at Marindi market, said.
Adhiambo said they were worried the entire bridge would collapse anytime.
"If it collapses with people on it, who will be responsible?" she asked.