CS Murkomen calls for Increase of Fuel; Citing The following Reasons.
Roads and Transport CS Murkomen calls for Increase of Fuel; The minister was Speaking during a media interview on Spice FM, Murkomen explained that the move would assist in maintaining the state of murram roads across the country.
The commonly know Road Maintenance Levy Fund, is currently collected at the pump and is at the moment set at Ksh18 per litre of petrol and diesel
The minister stated that over 5,000 roads were constructed but there was no plan on how to maintain them, owing to budgetary constraints.
He dismissed the recommendations of NADCO report that called for the reduction of the levy by Ksh5 maintaining that it is not feasible.
This means, if the proposal passes, motorists would pay Ksh23 per litre of fuel at the pump, leading to an increase in fuel prices.
He stated,”There are 5,000 Kilometres of roads constructed and not maintained. These are orphaned roads as you’ll find they are full of potholes since they are not maintained.”
He revealed that the government owes contractors over Ksh700 billion, out of which Ksh400 billion is owed to the Chinese contractors, as a result, led to pending road projects for years.
He stated,”Many of the contractors come to my office crying. Either the banks are selling their houses, or some are admitted to hospitals. People are suffering. We then have to negotiate with the banks to give them time to complete the payment,”
“We will not commence on any new project unless that project is from a development partner such as the World Bank, or African Development Bank,” he added.
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