It was in 2016 when I first noticed that the bridge across Turkwel River in Lodwar was in serious need of expansion.
Now this is happening and it will play a great role in making the other side of Lodwar more accessible. The expansion of the bridge will ease traffic from Lodwar town to the other side of the river.
In its current state, the bridge handles only one lane of motor vehicles and maybe a single file of motorcycles. It is especially narrower at both ends of the bridge.
Locals told me that the bridge was constructed many years ago and now due to population explosion, it can no longer serve its purpose with ease.
Turkwel River originates from Cheranganyi Hills and Mt. Elgon. The name Turkwel originates from Tir-Kol loosely translates to river that “withstands the wilderness”.
France helped Kenya to construct Turkwel Dam between 1986 to 1991. The project was expected to cost Ksh. 4 billion but it ended up costing Ksh. 20 billion. Turkwel River is seasonal and sometimes floods.
