Drainage project drowns Eastleigh’s Third Avenue in inconvenience

For several weeks now, the rhythmic clanging of construction equipment has become the unwelcome soundtrack to daily life on Eastleigh's Third Avenue. Between 7th and 10th Streets, a vital water drainage project promises long-term benefits, but its immediate cost is borne by residents navigating a choked artery of commerce and community.

While acknowledging the necessity of this infrastructure upgrade, locals paint a picture of mounting frustrations. Hussein Daud, a resident just a stone's throw from the excavation, admits, "Progress is essential, but closing half the avenue has thrown our commutes into disarray. It's disrupting our whole routine."

The project, starting at 12th Street, aims to steer storm water away from residential areas, safeguarding water quality and preventing contamination. However, for Samuel Mwiraria, a customer at Kazi Kazi Hotel, the closure casts a long shadow over local businesses. He recounts his recent struggle to find the restaurant, struggling through detour mazes while competitors on Yusuf Haji (formerly First avenue) and 2nd Avenues enjoy their usual busy trade. "This inaccessibility is hitting us hard," he laments.

Salah Abdiaziz, who lives on 5th Street and runs Libaan DW shop on 10th, captures the shared urgency. "We understand the need for development, but better coordination is crucial. It's not just commutes; our daily routines are thrown off balance. This needs a faster resolution."

Despite repeated attempts to reach local authorities for comment, their silence echoes the frustration of residents grappling with the dust, detours, and disruptions.