Lake Victoria: Transport paralysed after major bridge collapses

Motorists and bodaboda riders in Muhuru Bay, a lakeside town in Migori county, have been unable to operate due to shortage of fuel.

Residents told Wananchi Reporting that trucks ferrying the precious liquid have been unable to access the border town after a major bridge collapsed in the area.

The Ratieny bridge which has been undergoing renovations was on Saturday 9 washed away following sporadic rains in the area.

As a result, fuel tankers and other heavy commercial vehicles ferrying fuel and other goods have been unable to cross into Muhuru Bay.

Public service vehicles plying the route have had their operations interrupted for days.

“Passengers are now charged Sh500 to travel from Muhuru to Migori, up from Sh350,” said John Otieno, resident of the area.

Prices of commodities like sugar and cooking oil have also increased significantly due to shortage. 

On Tuesday, motorists and bodaboda riders spent hours at various fuel stations as they waited for the precious liquid.

Fishermen who often venture deep into the lake using motorboats have also been affected. 

Residents of Muhuru Bay, a town which is some 43 kilometres from Migori town, want the murram road tarmacked – and the bridge completed.

“This is a major trade town because we border Tanzania along the lake. It is time we get the road tarmacked to open this area up for trade,” said Musa Musa.  

This is happening at a time when the Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of an impending El nino.