The National Government of Kenya has commissioned
the primary part of construction and rehabilitation of key jetties in Lamu
County which are in a deplorable condition.
Speaking during the launch Stephen Ikua, Secretary
of Administration, said the jetties are crucial element of Lamu’s transport
system as they are the main entry and exit points to Lamu Old Town and the
adjacent islands within the archipelago.
The first phase will cover the Mokowe Customs Jetty
in Lamu West at a cost of US $6m while the Mtangawanda Jetty in Lamu East
cost US $718000. Second phase will include construction of two other
jetties which include the Manda Airport Jetty and the Lamu Mangrove Terminal
Jetty in Lamu West.
The poor condition of the jetties has mainly been
caused by lack of frequent servicing. Stephen Ikua said that ground work is set
to kick off next week. Two contractors, a venture of the Appallan
Marine and General Contractors Company, Benris Investments Limited and Aven Premier International, won the
construction contracts of the project.
The National Treasury has been on the spot since
late 2018 by not releasing funds meant for the jetties prolonging repairs after
a pontoon detached from its piles in August 2018, floating in Indian Ocean and
posing danger to sailors To date the pontoon has not been found.
The Mokowe jetty will be constructed under the joint venture and Aven Premier International will work on the Mtangawanda Jetty.https://constructionreviewonline.com/2019/02/phase-1-of-rehabilitation-of-lamu-jetties-commissioned/
