Coast have expressed optimism over the launch of the Mwache-Mteza project that will connect Mombasa island to the busy Lunga Lunga Highway in Kwale.
The project, popularly known as Dongo Kundu will see a fresh crossing channel established to ease access to the North Coast, one of the most productive regions in the Coast region. It was launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta two weeks ago.
The project is financed by JICA and the Japanese Government and will cost Sh.24 billion.
The launch of the 2nd phase of the Mombasa Port Area Development Project that connects the Nairobi-Mombasa highway at Miritini, to the Mombasa-Lunga Lunga highway at Kibundani (Diani ) has elicited excitement among residents over the growth of business opportunities.
The bypass, to be constructed over the sea will connect see a bridge constructed over the Indian Ocean to create an alternative route to Kwale and Tanzania.
The first phase involved the construction of a 4-lane dual carriageway from Miritini Junction through Mwache Junction to Kipevu totaling 10.1 Km, was officially opened by President Kenyatta on 14th of June 2018.
The third phase, which will conclude the entire project, runs from Mteza to Kibundani, a distance of 6.86 kilometers. The contractor for this phase is also already on-site and mobilizing to commence works.
Some of the major works to be undertaken in this second phase include:
v Construction of Mwache to Dongo Kundu Road, 8.96 Km in length
v Construction of Mwache Bridge – 660 Metres
v Construction of Tsunza Pile-slab type Viaduct – 780 Metres
v Construction of Mteza Bridge – 1440 Metres
v Construction of U-Turn Bay at Tsunza
The entire 3 phase project is being financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the entire Mombasa Port Area Development Project(MPARD)
The Kenya National Highways Authority is implementing the project on behalf of the Government.
Infrastructure CS James Macharia said the improvement of these important links to both our main Road Corridor; the Northern Corridor, the main Seaport; the Port of Mombasa, the Moi International Airport and a link to the newly furbished Kipevu Container Terminal will greatly improve trade and business in the region.
Specifically, the link will serve as a key catalyst to improving the cargo handling capacity of the Port of Mombasa, in order to adequately serve Kenya’s growing economy, as well as retaining the Port of Mombasa as the preferred Port of use by the neighboring economies. This will, in turn, ensure economic prosperity for both Kenya and the region.
“Through the Project, we are also developing the requisite infrastructure to support the upcoming Likoni Special Economic Zones and the Dongo Kundu Free Port”, Macharia said.
Macharia assured stakeholders that the ministry was firm in delivering projects within cost and time. He said every region Kenya will continue to witness the development of new roads, leading to equal and improved development opportunities among all Kenyans.
