Infrastructure projects transforming coast region’s economy
INVESTMENTS: Development of multi-billion-shilling infrastructural projects by the government at the Coast is fast opening up the region for investment, trade and tourism sectors.
State Department of Infrastructure Principal Secretary Paul Maringa disclosed that the government has spent Sh144 billion to build 2,200km of roads in the expansive Coast region.
“We have to appreciate the amount of investment this government has committed in the six counties of the region.
We have completed, planning and ongoing road projects across this region,” he added.
The projects cut across the coastal counties of Lamu, Tana River, Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale and Taita Taveta, and have improved road networks which continue to attract local and foreign investments.
Maringa made the remarks yesterday after a media briefing by the National Development Implementation Technical Committee (NDITC) after an extensive inspection of multi-billion infrastructure projects in Mombasa county.
Led by Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho, the committee has camped in the coastal region to inspect various development projects undertaken by the government. One team was in Mombasa while the other was in Kwale county.
Maringa indicated that more than 3,000 people have been directly employed since the inception of the mega infrastructure projects.
Local population
He said that of the Sh144 billion, Sh25 billion has trickled into the pockets of the local population, while an additional Sh70 billion were used for the purchase of locally available construction materials.
“Few of the total amount of money allocated for these road projects goes for the importation of other material.
Roughly, Sh90 billion were left to benefit the local economy,” added Maringa.
He said the President is committed to ensuring there is equity in the development of the nation, adding that is why the team is at the Coast to inspect these projects.
“We have Garsen-Lamu road in Tana River and Lamu counties, Mavueni- Bamba-Mariakani road in Kilifi, roads in Kwale, Voi-Taita Taveta road in Taita Taveta county,” he said.
“The projects have been done by Kenyan professionals and the public can now see the amount of money President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government has utilised.”
