"Tourism stakeholders in the country have welcomed the
government's plan to construct a new bridge at the Likoni crossing channel.
Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers boss Mike Macharia yesterday
said the move will open up the transport sector at the Coast. Prime Minister
Raila Odinga on Monday said the government is looking to construct a new high
bridge at the channel.
The bridge, the PM said, will be constructed in such a way that it will let big ships into the Mombasa port. “This will solve the many issues at the ferry,” said Raila. He added that the move will complement other plans of turning Mombasa into a special economic zone like Shanghai and Guangzhou in China. “I know of the Dongo Kundu bypass, but if the government is really serious about this issue, then it is good news for Mombasa and the Coast,” said Macharia.
Former Kenya Association of Tour Operators chairman Duncan Muriuki said the industry players have more faith in the government after it showed commitment in implementing most of its plans. “It is the best thing to happen in the tourism industry,” said Muriuki. Kenya Tour Drivers and Guides Association chairman Joseph Parpai said the bridge will fasten the linkage between the North and the South Coast thus redeeming the image of the Coast tourism sector.
The bridge, the PM said, will be constructed in such a way that it will let big ships into the Mombasa port. “This will solve the many issues at the ferry,” said Raila. He added that the move will complement other plans of turning Mombasa into a special economic zone like Shanghai and Guangzhou in China. “I know of the Dongo Kundu bypass, but if the government is really serious about this issue, then it is good news for Mombasa and the Coast,” said Macharia.
Former Kenya Association of Tour Operators chairman Duncan Muriuki said the industry players have more faith in the government after it showed commitment in implementing most of its plans. “It is the best thing to happen in the tourism industry,” said Muriuki. Kenya Tour Drivers and Guides Association chairman Joseph Parpai said the bridge will fasten the linkage between the North and the South Coast thus redeeming the image of the Coast tourism sector.
Construction of the
KES 25 billion bridge connecting Mombasa Island with the Kenyan South Coast
will start in February next year.
The Government has announced construction of a bridge across
Likoni Ferry channel to ease transport to South Coast. Principal Secretary,
Infrastructure Development, Eng John Mosonik said to provide a more reliable
link to South Coast, plans have commenced for the construction of the Likoni
bridge to replace the ferry. The Likoni Ferry, serviced by the Kenya Ferry
Services (KFS) has come under constant criticism over inefficiency particularly
from tourism players who have had to grapple with long queues due to delays and
ageing equipment. Eng Mosonik (pictured) said the government plans to develop a
ring of roads and bypasses around Mombasa to decongest the city. He said
designs are underway for the proposed Mombasa Northern Bypass linking Mazeras
to the Mombasa—Malindi road in North Coast.
Other initiatives currently underway include a second Nyali
Bridge under Public-Private Partnership arrangements. He added that the
ministry is implementing one of the flagship projects under Vision 2030 –
Mombasa Bypass project linking the West mainland to the proposed port at Dongo Kundu.
“The project will play a pivotal role in development of untapped tourism
potential in the South Coast,” he said. The Government received Sh25 billion
loan from the Japan International Cooperation (JICA) for this project. The
project will be implemented in three work packages. Severe traffic The first
package is the —Miritini to Kipevu Link Road while the second package is the
Mwache to Dongo Kundu, including construction of long –span bridges over the
sea while package three involves the Dongo Kundu to Kibundani. He said tenders
for work under package one have been evaluated and will soon be awarded with
construction works expected to commence in early 2015, with a completion period
of 30 months. “Packages two and three will be rolled out in 2015, and projected
to be completed by 2018 and 2017, respectively,” he said. Eng Mosonik said
through the support of the African Development Bank, the Department of
Infrastructure has completed detailed designs and tender documentation for
dualling the Changamwe roundabout – Jomvu- Miritini Highway in order to address
the severe traffic congestion experienced on the highway. He said financing for
the project is being sought. The PS said the design for upgrading and
strengthening of the Malindi-Mombasa—Lungalunga road is at advanced
stages, and will be implemented as a regional project under sponsorship from
the East African Community.
Already
two key border post facilities to enhance trade between the Coastal region and
Northern Tanzania have been completed. He said that already regionally, the
Mwatate –Taveta road (90 km) is ongoing , Kaloleni –Kilifi road (30 km) is also
ongoing while the Maji Ya Chumvi- Bachuma Gate, which is 55 km work has
commenced. And after more than five decades, Lamu residents can breath easy
following plans by the government to upgrade the Garsen-Nyongoro – Lamu road to
bitumen standards under the Roads 10,000 programme. The project is at tendering
stage and is expected to be complete in two years’ time