Sinister
JF-Expert Member
- Feb 18, 2013
- 1,531
- 1,577
The 8.96-kilometre dual carriageway project, expected to cost Sh25 billion, will involve construction of an interchange at the Likoni-Lunga Lunga highway and installation of two bridges: one at Mwache – spanning 680 metres, and a second one at Mteza straddling more than two kilometres.
“The Mteza bridge is seven times longer than Nyali and Kilifi and it will reduce costs and time used to cross over to and from South Coast. It will also serve the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone,” KeNHA director- general Peter Mundinia said.
Construction of phase two of the Dongo Kundu Bypass was scheduled to begin last August but this did not happen since there were delays in obtaining clearance from the AG’s office.
“It was not actually a delay…Such a huge project has to pass through the Attorney- General to look into the issue of taxation, and also to confirm the agreements are in order,” Mr Mundinia said.
Work on the project is expected to be completed in 48 months.
The launch of phase two of Dongo Kundu Bypass follows last year’s completion and official opening of phase one of the project, in an event that was precised over by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Construction of the segment commenced in July 2016 and was completed in June at a cost of Sh11 billion. The project was undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.
In November 2014, Kenya signed a Sh25 billion-loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) to finance the construction of the Dongo Kundu Bypass.
The Kenyan government will pay back the debt in 30 years at an interest rate of 1.2 per cent, after a grace period of ten years – which is scheduled to expire in 2024.
Dongo Kundu Bypass, also known as Mombasa Southern Bypass, is seen as the solution to perennial congestion at Likoni Ferry, which is blamed for the slow growth of the south coast region.