Investors want State to fast-track the D**go Kundu bypa*s project
Tourism players have urged the government to expedite completion of multi-billion-shilling Dongo Kundu bypass to improve the flow of tourists to and from South Coast.
Construction of the road commenced in March 2020. The project was funded by the Government of Kenya and Japan. The Sh22 billion dual carriage way project includes an interchange at Likoni-Lunga Lunga highway, two bridges at Mwache (660 metres) and another at Mteza (1,440 metres).
Eustace Mutea, Deputy Director of the Project said there are pending works on the last bridge. The government owes the contractor Sh1.4 billion, tourism sector players want the money owed to the contractor to be paid so as not to jeopardise the remaining works.
Traffic gridlock
Mutea stated that the Jica portion of the works has been paid, but the remaining Kenyan government-funded works are yet to be opened to the public. Once complete, Mutea added that the project would be open to the public without any charges.
According to Africa Tours and Discovery Company managing director Nyaga Kombo, traffic gridlocks often experienced at the Likoni Ferry have been a headache to tourists.
After the completion of Dongo Kundu, the cost of travel will be reduced significantly.
“It has always posed a big headache, no one knows when the ferry will break down, but with the Dongo Kundu bridge connectivity, it will be easy to market Diani as a tourist destination since it will be easy to access,” said Immaculate Nyaga, Sales manager Africa Tours and Discovery Company.
Nyaga added that the time taken to get to the airport and the hotels will significantly be reduced.
SGR experience
Tourists are now forced to leave the hotel four hours before their checkout time, because of the ferry gridlock.
Diani passengers are benefiting from the government’s 30 minute SGR journey, which is a commendable gesture as it reduces fuel expenditure and improves marketing.
Diani Hospitality Owners Association chairman Mohamed Hersi, expressed optimism that the project will open doors for tourism investment in Mombasa and Diani tourism hubs.
