Mombasa: It is a relief for motorists and travellers along the busy Mombasa-Kwa Jomvu highway, as construction of the long-stalled Kwa Jomvu Interchange nears completion. The 900-metre interchange, which had been delayed for more than eight years due to land compensation disputes, is now 95 percent complete.
According to Kenya News Agency, the National Land Commission (NLC) was allocated Sh5.2 billion to compensate Project Affected Persons (PAPs), clearing the way for resumption of works at the Jomvu Kuu junction, where progress had been halted. The interchange marks the final phase of the Sh11 billion Mombasa-Kwa Jomvu dual carriageway project, which began in 2017 with funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The project involves reconstruction of existing pavement using Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) and Stone Mastic Asphalt Concrete (SMA), construction of three new interchanges with overpasses and underpasses, and expansion of the existing four- and two-lane sections into a six-lane dual carriageway. 'We expect that in the next two weeks, the contractor will open up this area for vehicles to use temporarily for secondary compaction to improve density before the contractor puts the blacktop surface,' stated KeNHA Coast Region Director Eng. Simon Omuono.
He added that the securitisation of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund had provided the government with resources to compensate PAPs, paving the way for project completion. 'The importance of this road in facilitating trade cannot be gainsaid. It forms part of the Northern Corridor, easing cargo movement from the Port of Mombasa and boosting regional and domestic trade. It also enhances tourism, enabling faster travel to and from the Coast,' explained Eng. Omuono.
The resumption of work has created employment for the local youth and one Gregory Ogweno, a trader, says the completion of the road will significantly improve their businesses. Motorists urged KeNHA to ensure the road is completed on time to open up the area which currently experiences traffic gridlock.
Meanwhile, the construction of the 30.4-kilometre Mombasa Port Access Road project, which starts at the Kwa Jomvu interchange and goes up to the Mariakani weighbridge, is rapidly taking shape. The vital road is 35 per cent complete and it is expected to reduce travel time in the northern corridor. The current two-way lane will be enhanced to a four-way dual carriageway. It will also have climbing lanes and service lanes for access to residential areas and businesses.
The Sh10.4 B project will also entail the improvement of grade intersections along the project road and the construction of non-motorised facilities, enhancement of the drainage, truck parking facilities, and weighbridges for axle-load control in Mariakani.