Govt Says Dhogoye Bridge Construction Back on Track After Years of Delays

The government has announced significant progress in the construction of the long-delayed Dhogoye Bridge in Usenge, Siaya County, saying the project is expected to restore a critical transport link between Siaya and Busia counties while boosting trade and regional connectivity.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) project, which had stalled after construction began in 2021, has been revived and has recorded steady progress over the past four months.

“The Government continues to invest in critical transport infrastructure to strengthen connectivity, unlock trade opportunities and support economic growth across the country,” Omollo said.

According to the PS, the bridge is a strategic infrastructure investment aimed at providing an all-weather crossing along the Bondo–Usenge–Osieko corridor, an area that has for years experienced frequent transport disruptions due to rising water levels in Lake Victoria.

Residents living along the corridor have repeatedly faced challenges accessing markets, schools, health facilities and other essential services whenever the lake submerged the existing crossing point.

Omollo said the completion of the bridge will significantly improve the movement of people and goods while supporting economic integration between communities in Siaya and Busia counties.

“Once completed, the bridge will provide an all-weather crossing, ease the movement of people and goods, enhance regional trade and deepen social and economic integration between communities on both sides of the lake basin,” he said.

The PS attributed the renewed progress to closer collaboration between government agencies, local leaders and residents, which has helped address operational challenges that had slowed implementation.

He said the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration has played a key role in ensuring the project proceeds without further interruptions by fostering cooperation among all stakeholders.

“The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration has been instrumental in sustaining momentum on the project by fostering collaboration between government agencies, local leaders and communities, helping to resolve operational challenges and ensuring a conducive environment for continuous implementation of this long-awaited infrastructure investment,” Omollo said.

The bridge forms part of the government’s broader infrastructure development programme aimed at improving transport networks, facilitating trade and supporting economic growth across the country.

Once operational, the crossing is expected to reduce travel disruptions, improve access to social services and strengthen commercial activities within the Lake Victoria basin, where transport connectivity has historically been affected by seasonal flooding.

Read: Kenya Begins Construction of First Public Ferry on Lake Victoria

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