Investors seek to cash in on planned bypass

The planned construction of a bypass linking Mombasa island and the South Coast is attracting investors seeking to cash in on the benefits of enhanced infrastructure.

South Coast, whose main town is Diani, had been given a wide berth by investors due to ferry delays at the Likoni channel.

Transport minister Amos Kimunya said the construction of the Dongo Kundu bypass would start before the end of the year.

Mr Kimunya said that construction of the road, which will start at Miritini through Dongo Kundu and end at Lunga Lunga in South Coast, would commence after tendering is finalised.

“The South Coast has great potential which needs to be exploited to the fullest. This will be made possible by this road,” the minister said.

Ministry of Roads PS, Engineer Michael Kamau, said bids for the construction of the multi-million bypass would be issued as soon as the minister endorses the plan.

He said the much-awaited project had been hit by a misunderstanding among different government agencies over the routing, a matter he added had been resolved for the 18km road that would also create special economic zones in Changamwe and the South Coast.

“The increased economic growth and the population demands that the flow of traffic and goods is uninterrupted and this can only be realised through a bypass in Dongo Kundu,” he said.

The South Coast has in the last few months witnessed massive construction and setting up of amenities such as banks, supermarkets, private schools and hospitals.

“All the major banks have branches in Diani and we are now witnessing the explosion of high-rise buildings to capitalise on available land,” said Mr David Ndirangu, proprietor of Masai Cottages and Masai Bureau nightclub.

Palm Beach Hospital proprietor, Dr Lalit Kotak, said economic development in the area would increase if the bypass is constructed.

Mombasa and Coast Tourist Association executive officer Millicent Odhiambo said the bypass would benefit not only the tourism but every sector of the economy.

Source: Daily Nation