Ugly Stampedes that have become a norm at the Kenya Ferry Crossing in Likoni will be a thing of the past once a floating bridge is erected across the channel .
Authorities and Police officers manning the boarding points have had a rough time controlling surging crowds occasioned by the COVID-19 guidelines.
The bridge construction is being supervised by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), which has contracted the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
CRBC has already begun creating a firm base for the erection of the 500-meter bridge, with works expected to be completed in December 2020.
An estimated 300,000 pedestrians cross the Likoni channel daily.
Frequent stampedes
While explaining the importance of the Likoni Floating Bridge, KeNHA Director General, Eng. Peter Mundinia said the project was necessitated by the huge traffic experienced at the Likoni Ferry.
“The Likoni Ferry has been estimated to carry approximately 300,000 commuters per day. In addition, there have been fatal accidents in the recent past coupled with severe congestion, particularly at peak hours,” said Eng. Mundinia.
The Likoni Floating Bridge will, present an alternative means of transport to the existing ferry services for Likoni residents accessing Mombasa Island and vice versa.
Pedestrians are expected to walk safely on a platform across the entire 500m width of the Likoni Channel to alleviate queues and human challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
