The Coast Development Authority (CDA) is rushing against time to complete the Sh889 million Malindi Integrated Social Health Development Programme Phase II (MISHDP-II) in Malindi and Magarini sub-counties.
The Authority successfully implemented phase one of the programme funded by the Italian government between June 2008 and 2012.
The programme funded by the Italian government to the tune of Euros 6,395,373 (equivalent to Sh889 million in the current exchange rates) through the National Treasury is implemented by CDA in collaboration with the National Land Commission, Kenya Space Agency, Kilifi County Government, and the local community.
The three-year programme began in May 2022 and was designed to improve the social and economic development of the two sub-counties.
Speaking during a stakeholders meeting to review the progress of implementation of phase II, CDA Acting Managing Director (MD) Pamela Ngure said all the completed projects in MISHDP-I are in operation and the local community is benefiting.
The Italian government, through the National Treasury, has so far disbursed a total of Sh271 million to MISHDP-II. The projects are in advanced stages of construction.
To improve the education facilities and school enrollment in Malindi and Magarini sub-counties, phase II of the project involves the construction of a dining hall, kitchen, dormitory, and four classrooms at Ngomeni Secondary School.
The project also has provisions for an award scheme for the five best-performing students from Form 1 to Form 4 at Ngomeni Secondary School.
Other school infrastructure development projects are: the renovation of six classroom blocks at Ngomeni Primary School; the construction of six classroom blocks; a laboratory; and a pit latrine at Rasi Primary School.
Construction of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Block is underway at Malindi Sub-County Hospital, and Sh571 million has been allocated for the tarmacing of the 12-kilometre Mjanaheri-Ngomeni road.
“Phase II will improve education in the area. In Malindi, we had only one ICU during the COVID-19 era. We realised that patients had to go all the way to Mombasa to access ICU facilities, but now we will have a fully operational ICU,” said Ag. CDA MD Ngure.
CDA chairman Mzee Mwinyi said the ICU will not only serve the residents of Kilifi but also the neighbouring counties of Tana River, Lamu, and Garissa counties.
CDA Chairman Mwinyi divulged that he received a no-objection letter for the construction of the road that will open up the Ngomeni and Mjanaheri areas.
“The economy of the area will improve. Access to a fish landing site that was opened by the Head of State will be easy,” said the CDA Chairman, urging coastal legislators to lobby for more development projects to improve the region’s economy.
Joseph Katana, Assistant Chief of Ngomeni Sub-Location, said through the project, education standards will improve and businesses will thrive.
“Our children will no longer walk long distances to access secondary school. We have a pristine beach, but the road has been a hurdle. With the construction of the road, it will boost tourism,” said Assistant Chief Katana.
Kassim Abdalla said that since the commencement of the projects, the livelihood of Ngomeni has significantly improved.
“The road will make the value of our land soar,” said Abdalla.
By Sadik Hassan
