BY ALBERT NYAKUNDI
Close to sixty workers undertaking preliminary works on the Nairobi Express Way have protested poor pay and non-remittance of statutory deductions as well as lack of safety measures.
This comes after a worker was electrocuted last week on September 28 while working at the ongoing water and sewer line relocation project along Uhuru highway.
Shadrack Munyao from Mukuru Kwa Njenga told Hot News he was electrocuted at around 9 AM while he was at work.
China Road and Bridge Corporation is the main contractor in the Sh 65 billion project.
“I had only worked for eight days before the accident.” He said.
He was rushed to Mater Hospital where he was admitted.
“I am out of hospital and recuperating at home” he said adding that he did not have rubber boots and gloves at the time of the accident.
Munyao said the project Manager Zhang Benhang only issued reflector jackets and helmets to workers.
China Road and Bridge Corporation is the main contractor in the Sh 65 billion project.
Twice contacted, Zhang refused to comment on the allegations when Hot News visited the company’s site office on Uhuru Highway.
He did not reply to text messages.
The Nairobi Eexpress Way is 27.1 kilometer stretch between Mlolongo to James Gichuru junction in Westlands that seeks to decongest the city.
The laborer’s who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of intimidation do not a have a contract of service with the employer.
They said this is a loophole for exploitation.
“I do not understand why my NSSF, NHIF, PAYE is deducted and not remitted.” Said a worker.
Workers told Hot News that Zhang is not gender sensitive after he dismissed the only two ladies who were working at the project over flimsy reasons.
They accused Zhang of protecting a Chinese national Mr. Wang,whom they claimed harasses workers at the site adding that Wang does not have a work permit.
“Wang has been working at the project without a working permit which saw him arrested twice in April and September but was never charged after he bribed the police.” Said a worker.
ALSO READ: Kenyans will get value for money in the Nairobi Expressway-KENHA