The phase one of Mombasa Liwatoni fishing complex is complete and due for hand over by early September.
Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS), Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban-Development Wavinya Ndeti, commended efforts done by the coast region in flagship projects to improve the blue economy in the country.
Speaking at the complex Wednesday, CAS Wavinya said the President is keen on achieving his Big Four Agenda and fishing which falls under food security is among priority projects in the coastal region owing to the Indian Ocean resource for fishing.
“What am working on here is on blue economy and President Uhuru has been very firm on what needs to be done to improve it,” said Wavinya adding that fisheries is part of it as well creating a conducive environment for people to do business in the sector.
The CAS lauded the pace at which the projects have leaped from 60 percent in February to now at 98 percent amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that has disrupted many projects.
“My department’s work is to follow up and make sure projects started by the President are completed on time. Am happy to announce that phase one of Mombasa Liwatoni fishing complex is complete at 98 percent with the sea wall remaining and due for completion by early next month,” said Wavinya.
The former Kathiani legislator and Machakos gubernatorial aspirant said the government has been able to complete five jetties in Lamu and additional ones are underway to enable people travel and trade in Lamu Island. She said Lamu stands a chance to open up since the new port is ready and new roads are done.
The CAS said her role in the tour was to assure Kenyans that the next visits will be to officially launch the ambitious projects that have been funded by the government using taxpayers’ money. Also included is the suspension bridge at Likoni Mombasa crossing channel which will ease congestion of ferry services.
Chief Structural Engineer, in charge of the coast region, Hillary Nyaangah, said the Liwatoni fishing complex was dilapidated but is now improved and a boost to the fishing industry.
He stated that the Phase one involved renovating current office space, and removing asbestos sheets which was banned in 2013 by NEMA. The asbestos sheets were removed and buried in designated places. The engineer said a bio-digester has also been built to completion.
“A high level water tower with capacity of 100,000 litres and a proper drainage has also been completed awaiting testing since fish requires lots of water for processing. And what is good news for fish vendors an area has been built within the complex with a cold room for fish storage,” he noted.
The engineer reported the project awaits power connection to make it usable which is scheduled any time before handing over next month.
By Joseph Kamolo
