Work on Sh81 million bypass project starts

The county government has launched construction of Sh81 million bypass in Mtwapa to decongest the tourist resort town.

Those travelling from Kilifi will use Mzambarauni bypass to clear the town of traffic snarl-up.

Mtwapa is a gateway to Mombasa County for those coming from North Coast and is normally congested due to lack of a bypass and a bus park.

The county government has recently tarmacked some roads in Mtwapa in a bid to upgrade the town lying on the border with Mombasa County.

Kilifi Deputy Governor Gideon Saburi, who officially launched the bypass project during a ceremony held in Mtwapa town, said the objective was to upgrade the road from murram status to bitumen standards.

He said the project will be ready in six months and shall enable business activities and traffic run smoothly.

Mr Saburi said there have been many challenges in Mtwapa caused by congestion and that’s why the county government has decided to begin upgrade of key roads.

Put on hold

“We have set aside Sh81 million for the construction of this road (bypass). Many other projects were put on hold so as to resolve the problem of traffic jam,” he said.

For years, residents of Mtwapa have been protesting against traffic jams and congestion that have been affecting local business.

Mr Saburi said the bypass project was one of the flagship projects of the county that will transform the town.

He told residents to cooperate with county officials and ensure they give room for upgrading of roads in Mtwapa.

Saburi said some locals had built on road reserves and this was making it difficult for key infrastructure projects to be implemented.

“Mtwapa needs to be upgraded into a municipality as it attracts tourists from Italy, South Africa and even domestic tourists. We want to transform it into international standards,’’ he said.

The town is a key business hub for Kilifi County.

No potholes

He told the contractor to do the job well.

“We do not want to see potholes here,” he said.

Present were Roads Executive Josephat Mwatela, his counterparts Luciana Sanzua (Agriculture) and Kombe Nzai (Finance).

Prof Mwatela said the county was committed to upgrading roads in Mtwapa town to ensure it is free from congestion.

Others present were Chief Officer for Roads Ken Kazungu, MCAs Sammy Ndago (Shimo la Tewa), John Mwamutsi (Kibarani), Caro Maku Kalume (Mwawesa) and Dick Shaban (nominated).

Ndago said the road project would open up businesses in Mtwapa and turn it into a 24-hour economy.