The Japanese government is set to award the multi-billion shilling tender for the second phase of dualling of Dongo Kundu bypass, paving the way for the upgrade of the key infrastructure that will connects the North and South coast.

The Sh25 billion contract, which is set to be awarded to the lowest bidder, will see the upgrade of the 8.9-km road start in August and run for four years.

Chinese firm, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation upgraded the stretch between Mombasa-Kwa Jomvu section to a dual carriageway, the first phase of the road expansion plan.

The project was funded by the African Development Bank and the government of Kenya to the tune of Sh11 billion.

“The tender for the second phase of Dongo Kundu bypass which stretches between Mwache Junction and Mteza will be awarded towards the end of June and  is set to start by August,” said the Kenya National Highway Authority (Kenha) general manager for special projects David Muchilwa on Tuesday.

“Japan International Cooperation Agency is the financier for the project,” he said.

Mr Muchilwa, who was speaking to Shipping ad Logistics in an interview, said the scope of the work will involve construction of two bridges, one at Mwache which will be 660 metres long and another one at Mteza (1,440 metres).

A sightseeing bay will also be constructed and at least 88 hectares of mangroves will be replanted along the highway.

The road will also have intelligent traffic lights at major intersections.

“This is one of the roads set to ease transportation of cargo from the Port of Mombasa. We expect the contractor to stick to the prescribed timelines,” said Mr Muchilwa.

Construction of the first phase of the project which started in July 2016 is now complete and ready for use by motorists.

The road starts at the junction of Kenyatta Avenue and Digo Road in Mombasa’s central business district and runs to Mkupa area connecting the Mkupa Causeway into Changamwe at the Changamwe roundabout.

The road then runs through Changamwe, Mikindani junction, Kwa Jomvu, Miritini, Mazeras before terminating shortly after the Mariakani weighbridge.

Phase three of the project involves the construction of a 6.9-km road from Mteza and Kibundani-connecting the highway to the Likoni-Lunga Lunga road.

The Dongo Kundu road also referred to as the Southern bypass, is seen as the solution to the perennial problem of congestion at the Likoni Ferry, which is blamed for underdevelopment of the South Coast.

More than 500 vehicles and 300,000 people use the channel daily. This has overwhelmed the Kenya Ferry Services, with the current five ferries breaking down several times, resulting in delays.

Source: Business Daily