Residents of Buturu village in Butiama District, Mara Region, have praised the government for constructing a stone bridge that has eased access to vital services and reduced risks for expectant mothers and schoolchildren.
Before the bridge was built, villagers were forced to take long and costly detours through neighboring villages to reach health facilities and markets.
Buturu Village Chairman, Mr. Maningu Kasombi, said poor road conditions had forced many women to give birth at home or on the way to clinics due to lack of reliable transport.
“The poor state of the road made it difficult for mothers to reach hospitals. Now, with the bridge, we can travel at any time, and transport is more affordable compared to before, when we paid up to Sh15,000 to reach Butiama,” he said.
The economic impact has also been significant. Farmers can now transport their produce to markets on time, boosting local incomes and improving livelihoods.
Buturu Primary School Head Teacher, Ms. Grace Richard, noted that the bridge has reduced absenteeism among pupils, particularly during the rainy season. Previously, parents and teachers had to help children cross a flooded valley to reach school.
“During the rainy season, many children missed classes because they could not cross the valley. This bridge has solved that problem and improved learning conditions,” she said.
According to the Butiama District Tarura Manager, Engineer Rashidi Kavandama, the project cost Sh299.26 million and was funded through the Road Fund under the Sixth-Phase Government’s development programme.
The bridge, which measures 32 metres long and 7.7 metres wide, is now fully complete and operational.
Uhuru Torch Leader, Mr. Ismail Ali Ussi, who inaugurated the project, described the bridge as a vital link between Buturu and Chifu Wanzangi villages. He urged residents to safeguard the infrastructure for long-term use.
“My appeal is for villagers to protect this bridge so that it serves the community for many years,” he said.
He also commended Tarura for using stone in construction, which significantly reduced costs compared to concrete.
“I congratulate Tarura in Mara and Butiama for their patriotism. By using stones, the cost was kept below Sh500 million, which deserves recognition,” he added.