The dualling of the 13.5-kilometre Mombasa–Mtwapa road is progressing steadily and remains on schedule, despite earlier setbacks related to land acquisition.
Funded by the African Development Bank, the European Union, and the Government of Kenya at a cost of Sh7.5 billion, the project, currently at 42 per cent complete, is expected to enhance regional connectivity, boost trade, and stimulate tourism.
The scope of work includes constructing a dual carriageway with four lanes, service roads, six grade-separated junctions, six footbridges, and facilities for non-motorised traffic from Nyali Bridge to the start of Mtwapa Bridge.
Additionally, a 12-kilometre trunk drainage system will be built to address flooding. The County Government of Mombasa will provide land to expand the Kongowea market. Plans also include the planting of 400 indigenous trees along the road corridor and the development of roadside amenities on land belonging to Shimo la Tewa Prison.
According to Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Resident Engineer Joseph Gichuru, the project mainly entails upgrading the road to a dual carriageway and constructing accompanying service roads.
To solve the flooding menace exacerbated by Mombasa’s flat terrain, an underground trunk drainage system is being constructed along the road.
“It will collect all the surface runoff from the road and some adjoining properties, especially within the Bombolulu area,” explained Eng. Gichuru, during the project tour led by Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura.
“We are working in collaboration with the County Government of Mombasa to try and provide some drainage facilities for some of the storm water that has been a challenge to them in the past,” he added.
Of the six planned interchanges, four have already been completed. Construction of the remaining two, located at Fidel Odinga Road and Bombolulu, had stalled due to land acquisition issues.
However, the government has since allocated Sh2.2 billion to the National Land Commission for compensation, heralding the commencement of works at the interchanges.
“Money has now been made available for land acquisition that had derailed us. The owners are going to be paid,” Eng. Gichuru confirmed, adding that a paved walk will be constructed and street lights installed along the whole length of the road.
A new trader’s market will be constructed in Kongowea to provide a better working environment for the traders.
“Once this road is done, it is going to ease mobility between Mombasa and the adjoining counties. It is going to open up the LAPSSET road to the Port of Lamu. It’s going to bring down the regular maintenance, fares will go down,” stated Eng. Gichuru.
He further noted that areas in the road corridor, like Shanzu, will roar back to life once construction works are completed.
“A new water line is being put in place, which is bigger than the existing one to fit in with the master plan of the Coast Water Works Development Agency,” he said.
By Sadik Hassan
