Construction of the Mokowe jetty project in Lamu is facing delays. Chief Structural Engineer in the State Department of Public Works Hillary Nyaanga cited the Covid-19 pandemic as the key reason behind the delay in the completion of the project.
The Sh 599million project which is being undertaken by the national government began in 2019 and was to be completed in February 2021. It is currently 65% complete. Mr Nyaanga said the completion date has been pushed to August this year.
“Construction of the Mokowe Customs jetty is progressing well. Yes, it was to be completed in December 2020 but we extended it to February this year. We still couldn’t complete the construction. I am confident by August this year, the jetty will be ready,” said Mr Nyaanga.
Crucial element of Lamu’s water transport system
Jetties are a crucial element of Lamu’s water transport system as they are the main entry and exit points for passengers and cargo coming to Lamu Town and adjacent islands. The Mokowe customs jetty, for instance, is the largest of all the other jetties across Lamu County. The jetty is being built uniquely as it is the only facility in the county that will have a large waiting bay and a mini-petrol station. It is also designed to accommodate physically challenged people.
Apart from the Mokowe customs jetty, the national government has also undertaken and completed three other key jetties in Lamu, which were structurally unsound. They include the Sh 72million Mtangawanda jetty, the Sh 48million Manda Airport jetty, and the Sh 35million Lamu mangrove terminal jetty.
Plans are also underway for construction of a new jetty at the Lamu King Fahad County Hospital which aims at easing movement of personnel and patients coming in and out of the facility. Construction and completion of all the intended jetties will be a relief for the thousands of water transport users across the Lamu archipelago who have for years been forced to contend with the uncomfortable situation of using dilapidated jetties.
