Kwale County government has launched construction of several road projects. County Executive for Roads and Infrastructure Hemed Mwabudzo, Chief Officer Ali Joto and other senior officials handed over sites at various areas for the projects which aim to create more access to rural and remote corners of the coastal county.
“We are fulfilling pledges that area governor Salim Mvurya made to wananchi when he sought votes that they will initiate life-changing projects that include infrastructure. The county has to be opened up for trade, business and investment,” said Mwabudzo during a site handing over ceremony.
More than 30 roads have been handed over to contractors to open up areas in the four sub counties of Matuga, Msambweni, Lunga Lunga and Kinango at a cost of Sh.100 million. The project will involve construction of new roads as well as refurbishing old ones and seeks to support the transportation of agricultural goods to markets in urban centres.
Rural infrastructure upgrade
Six roads were opened in Lunga Lunga sub-county in the wards of Mwereni, Dzombo and Pongwe Three roads were opened in Msambweni sub-county, six in Matuga and 15 in the vast Kinango sub-county. The wards that benefitted in Msambweni include Ramisi and Ukunda while in Matuga sub-county, Waa/Ngombeni, Tsimba, Kubo South and Bongwe/Gombato benefited. In Kinango sub county Kasemeni, Mwavumbo, Kinango, Samburu-Chengoni, Mackinnon Road, Puma and Ndavaya wards benefited with 15 roads.
Mr Hemed Mwabudzo said the devolved unit is determined to turn most rural roads into ‘passable and motorable’ to make it easier for farmers to transport their produce to the urban areas.
“The rural infrastructure upgrades will in the long run increase economic and commercial activities in both rural and urban area. People will now be able to access markets easily from their homes, access shopping centers, schools and places they wish to visit,” said Mwabudzo.
