The Coast Regional Implementation Coordination and Management Committee (NGD-RICMC) has committed to fast track timely completion of development projects that will open up the region to investments.
The committee, chaired by the Regional Commissioner (RC) Rhoda Onyancha was brought up to speed on various projects that are in line with the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Onyancha said the deliberations of the Committee will be escalated to the National Development Implementation Committee for funds to be allocated to complete the projects that may have derailed as a result of delays in the disbursement of allocated funds or budgetary constraints.
The Regional Commissioner put on notice vandals who are destroying critical capital intensive infrastructures that the law will catch up with them
The multi-billion Dongo Kundu bypass is at 90 per cent completion. The dual carriageway project, costing Sh22 billion, involves the construction of an interchange at the Likoni-Lunga Lunga highway and two bridges at Mwache – covering 660 metres, and another at Mteza straddling 1,440 metres.
The bypass under construction is poised to be a game changer as it will not only connect three main transport corridors; the Mombasa-Nairobi highway, Mombasa-Malindi highway, and the Mombasa- Lunga Lunga highway but also reduce congestion at the Likoni ferry crossing channel.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is undertaking a runway and apron extension works at Ukunda airstrip in Diani Airport at a cost of Sh173 million.
The works are at 68 per cent and they involve extension of the existing 1.2km runway to 1.4km, construction of a new apron, construction of a new taxiway, expansion of existing taxiway to code C standards, laying of pavement works among others.
KAA is also reconstructing the taxiway and apron at Manda Airstrip in Lamu County at a cost of Sh121 million, the works are at 80 percent. Once completed the project will bolster tourism in the archipelago.
At the Moi International Airport the state pavilion is being refurbished to enhance state guests’ airport hospitality experience as they visit the coastal city of Mombasa.
The Sh2.6 billion Shimoni Fishing Project being implemented by the Kenya Ports Authority is on course at 51 per cent completion, it aims to enhance fish production and improve the livelihoods of fisher folk in Kwale and Coast region.
Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is enhancing inter-county connectivity through construction and rehabilitation of major roads.
The Hola-Garissa road in Tana River is under construction after it was destroyed by floods that wreaked havoc on the roads.
Tana River County Commissioner (CC) David Koskei noted that construction of major roads in the expansive county are ongoing albeit at a snail pace.
“If we don’t move with speed the problem will recur in the expected rains. Tana is a flat land and rain water from the neighboring Taita Taveta and Eastern region flows to the county,” said Koskei.
Mr. Koskei added that the government is repositioning the county endowed with fertile soils to be the food basket of the Coast region through the use of irrigation.
The Bura Irrigation and Settlement Scheme Rehabilitation project is near completion. It will boost the country’s food security as 25,000 acres will be under a gravity system of irrigation.
The project will upgrade the irrigation scheme from a pump-fed irrigation system to a gravity-fed system and increase the amount of abstracted water from the current 3 cubic metres per second to 11 cubic metres per second.
By Sadik Hassan
