The Kenya National Highways Authority has said the construction of a floating bridge across the Likoni channel in Mombasa is ongoing and will be ready in approximately 6 months – By Gerald Gekara.
The Likoni Floating Bridge is a pedestrian crossing facility that is currently being constructed across the Likoni Channel and is being implemented by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA).
Construction of the footbridge has been earmarked for completion within the next six (6) months. The construction works are being executed by the China Road and Bridge Construction Corporation of China at a cost of Sh 1.5billion.
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.
Evidence from the National Surveillance Systems has shown concern on compliance with public health guidelines at the Likoni Ferry.
Despite commendable efforts by County Coordination Units and Security Personnel, and the Kenya Ferry Services to streamline services, overcrowding at the Ferry approaches has been witnessed, with queues that exceed 1 Km at peak hours on either side.
“This has raised concerns about a humanitarian situation particularly with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic,” added Eng. Mundinia.
Due to capacity constraints, it has been a challenge to observe the prescribed public health guidelines by commuters who also have to compete for space with motor vehicles on the Ferry.
The Likoni Floating Bridge will therefore present an alternative means of transport as well as become a complementary facility 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.
