Mombasa County is set for major infrastructural transformation as most of the ongoing multi-billion mega projects near completion.
The Jubilee government has since 2013 invested in excess of Sh3.6 Trillion for various projects at the Coast that upon completion will position the region as an attractive destination for investment, trade and tourism.
On Wednesday, Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) James Macharia inspected the progress of key infrastructure projects in Mombasa that included the Changamwe inter-change and Phase II of the Dongo Kundu bypass.
Macharia who was accompanied by a team from the Presidential Delivery Unit said the Changamwe inter-change which is expected to be opened to the public on October 21 will be a three-decker which is first of kind in East and Central Africa.
At Dongo Kundu bypass whose status is at 33 per cent complete, the CS said a Japanese consortium, Fujita Corporation-Mitsubishi Corporation is working around the clock to complete the project on time.
The 8.96-km dual carriageway project expected to cost Sh25 billion involves construction of an interchange at the Likoni-Lunga Lunga highway and erection of two bridges: one at Mwache spanning 660 metres, and another at Mteza straddling 1,440 metres
Phase III of the project, which will connect the bridge to South Coast road in Kibundani area, is now at 85 per cent.
Among the projects earmarked for completion are the Sh4.5 billion Makupa Bridge, the Sh16 billion three-deckers Changamwe inter-change and Sh19 billion dual road from Kwa Jomvu to Mariakani.
Others are the Sh40 billion new Kipevu Oil Terminal at the Port of Mombasa and phase II of the second container terminal at the Port of Mombasa.
The Coastal city of Mombasa is also a beneficiary of the Sh1.9 billion Likoni floating bridge and the Sh1 billion modern cruise ship terminal at the Port of Mombasa.
The completion of the Dongo Kundu bypass will drastically reduce traveling distance between Mombasa, Kwale and other surrounding areas and will also ensure free movement of marine vessels that need to access Likoni Harbour as well as enhance traffic to the south coast and also boost trade between Kenya and Tanzania.
The Deputy Project Director Eng. Eustace Mutea said the construction of phase two of the bypass is progressing well and is set for completion in 2024.
“We might complete the project ahead of the stipulated period because we have mobilized all the required equipment and put in place the necessary logistics,” said Eng Mutea.
Coast Regional Commissioner (RC) John Elungata said the massive investment by the national government on the infrastructural projects will significantly transform the region.
Elungata who is also the Chairman of the Regional Development Implementation Coordination Committee said the projects would greatly boost business and other economic activities in the region and the whole country in general.
“The construction of the Lamu Port and other key infrastructural projects in the region are game changers,” said the Regional Commissioner.
In May this year, President Uhuru Kenyatta Commissioned the Lamu Port and launched berth No 1 and container terminal No 1 at Manda Bay.
The Port which has started receiving ships will catapult Kenya into the league of key global trans-shipment and commercial maritime hubs.
It is expected to give huge competition to established ports such as Durban of South Africa, Djibouti and Salalah of Oman.
By Mohamed Hassan
