Famously known as ‘Small Italy’ because of its high dominance of Italian visitors, Malindi town in Kilifi County is quickly gaining a new face, thanks to several World Bank (WB) funded projects being implemented by the county government. – By Ramadhan Kambi.
Ranging from roads construction to beatification of the town, Malindi, one of the most tourist visited regions is pinning on these developments to spur tourism growth and open up job opportunities for many a resident.
The ongoing the Sh50 million BP-Sala Gate Road, which connects to Tamani Jua along Malindi-Lamu Road is almost complete and the road is expected to ease traffic snarl-up in the resort town.
Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi who accompanied other senior officials to inspect the roads projects in the town said upon completion. Malindi is going to witness rapid development and easy of transport services.
The governor was accompanied by county Roads executive Prof Japheth Mwatela, his Land counterpart Maureen Mwangovya, roads chief officer Kenneth Kazungu and contractors doing the projects.
“The road will act as a bypass for vehicles heading from Mombasa to Lamu Road, also those from Marafa and Magarini going to Mombasa and Bus stage, thereby decongesting this town,” he said.
Court barriers
The construction of the Sh67 million ABSA-Mtangani GK Prison Road, funded by the World Bank has also resumed after a court suspended an order stopping its construction. The road is expected to play a crucial role in opening up the town to the neighbouring agricultural rich areas of Mtangani and its environs.
“Some people moved to court to stop the project although it had kicked off well. The matter has been resolved and the project is now ongoing,” said the Governor.
Apart from the county implemented projects, the national government through Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is also undertaking a number of roads infrastructural programs including the 100 kilometre Malindi-Sala Gate.
The road which is now complete has opened the town to Tsavo National Park, another milestone in tourism development.
Again KeNHA is undertaking the construction of the Sabaki-Marafa Baricho highway which its construction is expected to open up Magarini, which is known for pineapple and cassava production.
