Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Transport John Mosonik has said that construction of the Dongo Kundu bypass in Mombasa will start early next year. The much awaited infrastructure project is expected to decongest Mombasa by serving as an alternative to Likoni ferry. It will link the mainland to the south coast.

Mosonik has also said that the government is going to announce the winner of tender for Phase I within two coming weeks. Dongo Kundu bypass will be a single carriageway running 16.2km, and the government has signed an agreement with Japan International Coopertation Agency (Jica) (in June 2012) for latter to provide US$ 2.76m for the construction.

It will also facilitate the construction of a free port at the Dongo Kundu. To be undertaken in three phases, the project will involve a construction of a road that links Kipevu to Miritini and another to link Dongo Kundu with Mwache. Construction of long span bridges over the creeks will also be undertaken on the road linking Mwache to Dongo Kundu. Another road will also be constructed to link Dongo Kundu to Kibundani, to link with Likoni- Lunga Lunga road according to Mosonik. Being funded by Japan International Coopertation Agency (Jica), this phase will be expected to complete in 30 months.

Phase two construction works will entail construction of the Mwache – Dongo Kundu stretch. On this route, Mwache Bridge will also be set up. The Dongo Kundu – Kibundani stretch will be constructed in the Phase III of the project.

Construction of the bypass will be a crucial undertaking to opening the south of coast to tourism and agricultural activities. Kenya is also investing in a construction/rehabilitation of 10, 000km of roads, and work on 3000 km are set to start off this December.

Posted on : 30 Nov,-0001