Coast

Flooded Lamu-Garsen Road closed as residents demand urgent repairs

A section of the flooded Garsen-Witu-Lamu Road which has been closed. (Photo: KeNHA)

By Farhiya Hussein | Monday, May 13, 2024

The disruption has left hundreds of travelers stranded, highlighting the critical need for immediate repairs to restore connectivity.

Residents of Lamu are facing a mounting crisis as the Lamu-Garsen road remains impassable for the third consecutive day due to severe flooding in the Gamba area.

The disruption has left hundreds of travellers stranded, highlighting the critical need for immediate repairs to restore connectivity.

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Local traders, farmers, and community leaders have voiced their concerns, emphasising the pivotal role the road plays in both local and international trade.

Mariam Said, a trader, said the road was an economic lifeline of their community.

She highlighted that its closure would not only impact businesses but also endanger the very livelihoods dependent on its accessibility.

“This road is our economic artery. Without it, businesses suffer, and livelihoods are at stake,” she said.

A section of the flooded Garsen-Witu-Lamu Road which has been closed. (Photo: KeNHA)

Another resident, Abdallah Mahfudh, lamented the inability to transport goods, describing how it has severely crippled their income.

Mahfudh emphasized the urgency of the situation, underscoring the need for immediate attention to alleviate the dire circumstances faced by local farmers and businesses alike.

The impassable road has disrupted travel plans for many, with some, expressing frustration.

"I was supposed to visit family in Garsen. Now, I'm stranded here with no clear timeline for when I can reach my destination,” said Hanan Adan

The situation has prompted residents to unite in their plea for assistance, with calls for immediate action urged by the community.

The residents want repairs to be fast-tracked stating it cannot wait complaining that every passing day without action deepens the economic hardship faced by our region.

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy criticised the Ministry of Transport for its inaction regarding the recurring issue of the road network being disrupted during flooding seasons caused by the upstream River Tana.

“Despite sending a letter to the PS of Roads and the Minister of Roads since April 22, I'm hopeful that urgent measures will be taken to promptly address and repair this road," Timamy stated.

Two days ago, KeNHA shut down part of the Garsen-Witu-Lamu (A7) Road between Gamba and Lango la Simba due to flooding from the River Tana.