Road construction may stall due to bitumen shortage

Rehabilitation of major roads across the country could stall in the coming days due to an acute of shortage of butemen which is used to tarmac roads. The shortage has been attributed to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in Iran, a major source of bitumen. According to CS for Transport, Roads and Infrastructure Davis Chirchir, the bitumen shortage has been a major challenge that may impact roads construction and cost of road works. Chirchir said the shortage may force the government to review its tender pricing for roads to meet the rising cost of bitumen. Addressing the press on the sidelines of inspection works for the Rironi-Mau Summit expressway, Chirchir said they were engaging to consolidate purchase of bitumen from contracted sources. Flanked by members of the parliamentary committee on Transport and Infrastructure, Chirchir lauded the ongoing works adding that the Rironi to Naivasha section will be opened by December to motorists.