Once known as the bridge of death after claiming 32 lives in December 2021, Enziu Bridge in Kitui County is now turning into a bridge of hope.

The deadly Enziu River Bridge, which made headlines internationally after a school bus carrying St. James Church choir members from Mwingi was swept away by floods, is currently undergoing major reconstruction and is already at 80 per cent completion.

Following the release of Sh150 million by the national government for the project and the contractor already on site, the remaining 20 percent is set to be completed soon.

Speaking to Kenya News Agency (KNA) in Nuu and Mwingi towns, residents appreciated the release of the funds saying the completion of the project will save them from the fear they experience every rainy season for panic of floods.

“For a long time, crossing this river during rains has been a deadly gamble of livelihoods. The old bridge was narrow, low and dangerous to cross but at least now we are seeing real work done on the ground,” said Mwengi Solo.

Throughout the years, Enziu Bridge has served as a vital link connecting Mwingi to Nuu and the larger Garissa highway, but for years, motorists and pedestrians have been forced to risk their lives crossing the seasonal river, especially during floods after heavy rains.

The December 4th 2021 tragedy, shocked the nation when a bus hired to ferry church members to a wedding tried to cross the swollen river and was swept away, killing at least 32 on board in front of helpless villagers.

The incident exposed the poor state of the bridge and lack of proper infrastructure in the region.

The government now says the new bridge is part of its commitment to protect lives and improve infrastructure in marginalized areas.

“This is a promise delivered and lives protected. Under the leadership of President William Ruto, no Kenyan should die because of poor road infrastructure,” Kitui county Commissioner Erastus Mbui noted when he inspected the ongoing bridge construction worker last month.

The new design has the bridge raised higher, widened and reinforced to withstand heavy floods. It will also have proper guardrails and drainage to ensure safety even during heavy rains.

Business people in the area have welcomed the project saying it will boost trade and transport between Mwingi and Nuu towns and especially during rainy seasons. Ultimately, this will boost the counties’ economy and the countries’ at large too.

“The road is our economic lifeline. When the bridge was impassable, our goods would rot, patients could not reach hospitals and children missed school. “This new bridge is our hope,” Mwĩkali Makau, a local trader, said.

Local leaders have also praised the government for prioritizing the project, saying it shows responsive leadership that listens to the pain of ordinary citizens.

As construction nears completion, residents are urging the contractor to maintain quality and speed to ensure the bridge is ready before the arrival of anticipated El Niño rains set to start this month.

From a symbol of sorrow and pain, Enziu Bridge is now becoming a symbol of hope, development and a government that delivers. What was once a death trap is now a promise of safe passage, securing lives for the people of the Mwingi East sub-county.

By Denson Mututo and Mercy Mwanzia