Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen says the restoration of Mbogolo Bridge in Kilifi, which was washed away by floods, is almost done.
In a statement after inspecting the bridge on Tuesday, Murkomen said the construction of a new bridge is now 95 per cent done.
“I inspected the restoration of Mbogolo bridge that was recently washed away by floods, and the construction of a new bridge along the same highway which is 95% done. I took note of the challenge of flooding and disruption of transportation that residents of the Coast and North Eastern regions are currently grappling with due to heavy rains,” Murkomen stated.
Mbogolo Bridge, which lies along the Mtwapa-Kilifi Road, was washed away by raging floods a few days ago following heavy rains being experienced in the country.
“The Ministry is on high alert and monitoring cases of flooding with an interest to ensuring speedy restoration of damaged roads and a return to normal transportation in affected areas,” Murkomen added.
The Cabinet Secretary also inspected the dualling of the 40-kilometre Mtwapa Kilifi Road and Mtwapa-Nyali Bridge Road.
“Once complete, the road will reduce traffic congestion along the busy highway, enhance interconnectivity between Kenya and Tanzania and boost trade between the two countries,” Murkomen added.
He also added that the government has agreed with landowners along the stretch on ways of resolving the longstanding dispute on compensation to enable the expeditious completion of the road.
“Due to the limited resources at our disposal, we are ready to work with development partners to deliver on key infrastructure projects that that we promised the people of Kenya during the campaigns, even as we seek to connect farmers to markets, children to schools, patients to hospitals and the general public to various Government and private institutions,” he added.
“We have also commenced the construction of Dongo Kundu berth 1 that will increase cargo handling capacity at the Port of Mombasa and create employment for thousands of youth from Mombasa and the larger coast region.”
The CS also inspected the ongoing construction of the Mwache Junction-Tsunza-Mteza Road, which is part of the three-phased Dongo Kundu bypass project.
“I’m happy with the progress made so far in the construction of the road which will connect West of Mombasa from Miritini to Kibundani along the Likoni-Lunga Lunga road in the South, thereby reducing traffic congestion at the Likoni Ferry and enhancing interconnectivity and trade between Kenya and Tanzania,” he said.
He also met with the committee on land compensation for the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone project in Kwale County.
