Residents of Theta Ward in Juja took matters into their own hands to fix a dangerous makeshift bridge connecting their estates (Ngoma Tupu, Gwa Tom, Karia, and Ndururumo) to neighboring Ruiru constituency. The bridge, a longstanding community concern, became impassable after recent heavy rains.
Concerned about safety, residents rallied together – schools, churches, public transport operators, and individuals alike – to raise a staggering Ksh 472,000 within days.
“The bridge was unusable, especially at night,” said Alfred Lang’at, a resident. “It got so bad people were even charging to carry others across! We knew we had to act quickly.”
Through a WhatsApp group dedicated to community development (“Maendeleo”), residents coordinated fundraising efforts. The money raised will allow them to rebuild the bridge into a safer and more permanent structure.
The current bridge can only accommodate one car at a time, and residents acknowledge this is a temporary solution. Notably, this isn’t the first time the community has had to step in. The original bridge was built by residents themselves in 2016 after their pleas to the government went unanswered.
