Kitui county government has encouraged hospitality investors to set up hotels and other business ventures at Kalundu Eco-Park in a bid to turn the spot into a domestic tourism hub.
Speaking to KNA in his office, the County Deputy Director for Tourism Hezron Mulatya revealed ongoing plans by Governor Charity Ngilu administration to elevate the site formerly known as Kalundu Dam into a blossoming business and tourism center.
“Potential investors are welcome to set up businesses at Kalundu Eco Park as the county is ready to provide incentives including land and electricity,” said Mulatya noting that a certain private investor had already put up a pub and restaurant on the dam shores.
He said that the current main attraction for revelers is boat excursion and urged investors to bring aboard other activities like bouncing castles, animal orphanage, a snake park and floating restaurants among others.
The official, however, regretted resistance from the Eco-Park’s surrounding community, which he said claimed ownership of the area, but noted they were still consulting with the aggrieved locals towards win-win accord for investors, county government and the community.
He also decried pollution of the mega dam waters resulting from illegal dumping of sewerage waste into Kalundu River which feeds the dam.
Mulatya urged NEMA and KITWASCO to step in and ensure proper management of sewerage flow and relocation of the main town dumpsite to avoid contamination of Kalundu dam, which would otherwise put off potential investors.
He further noted plans by the county government to have a central entrance into the Eco Park to curb security threats in the place.
“We can’t have people accessing the park from all as this will pose a serious security threat. We are in the process of putting up a perimeter and a main gate manned by security guards to guarantee safety of the investors and those visiting,” said Mike Mitau, Kitui Eco Park Resort’s Director.
The Resort, the mini sandy beach and the boat riding activities have seen the number of people visiting the place increase by the day.
“We get about 100 customers daily during the week days and an average of 500 customers during the weekends,” said Francis Thome, Manager at Kitui Eco Park Resort.
The management at Eco Park Resort appeals to the county government to work on getting electricity installed at Eco Park to enable smooth running of operations there.
By Yobesh Onwong’a and Diana Syong’ombe
