by Peter Orengo
Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has disbursed US $1m as part of compensation for affected persons in the construction of the Mwache-Mteza bridge.
The development entails the hurldle in the process has now eased and the bridge will now see life.
Kinango MP Benjamin Tayari said the money was forwarded to the National Land Commission (NLC) and disbursements are set to start anytime.
“NLC has forwarded the names to the Ethics and Anti-corruption Corruption Commission for vetting, to ensure that only the right landowners are compensated to avoid fraud,” said Mr Benjamin. The project is part of phase two of the Dongo Kundu bypass project. It will be a 1,440m long stretch between Mwache Junction and Mteza with Fujita Corporation as the project contractors. 90% of the jobs have been given to the locals.
Dongo Kundu bypass project is expected to see a fresh crossing channel established to ease access to the North Coast, one of the most productive regions in the Coast region. It was launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2019. The launch of Dongo Kundu Bypass Phase 2 and 3 followed the recent completion and official opening of phase one of the project by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.
The two phases of the project involves construction of an interchange at the Likoni-Lunga Lunga highway and installation of two bridges: the mteza bridge and the other one at Mwache – spanning 900 metres. The bypass will connect the main corridors; the Nairobi-Mombasa, Mombasa-Malindi and Mombasa-Lunga Lunga highways.
Work on the US $238m 9km Mwache-Mteza dual carriageway, with two overseas bridges is scheduled to take 48 months as the 7km Mteza-Kibundani Road (phase three of Dongo Kundu), at a cost of US $39m, will take 24 months.