Infrastructure Development key to socioeconomic development
The department of transport and infrastructure is charged with the responsibility of taking care of and maintaining the roads, infrastructure including drainage, foot Paths Street lighting, and traffic lights among others.
“In the last five years, after the introduction of devolution we have achieved a lot and constructed more roads than ever before. We have constructed over 100km of roads.
“We have also installed many street lights than any other time in history. The drainage system has to some extent been done depending on the allocation of funds considering that this is a capital intensive undertaking,” highlighted Mr Taufiq Balala, the County Executive Committee Member.
One of the major highlights of the infrastructure department is the construction of modern state-of-the art stadia in Mombasa. Mr Balala said the County has already done three big sporting facilities and other smaller ones in the entire county.
Infrastructure remains one of the greatest enablers for socioeconomic development and the County Government has put in resources to ensure that the sector is robust and efficient.
Infrastructure development is a vital component in encouraging economic growth. Developing infrastructure enhances productivity, consequently boosting our county’s economy. Not only does infrastructure in itself enhance the efficiency of production, transportation, and communication, it also helps provide economic incentives to public and private sector participants. We believe that accessibility and quality of infrastructure in the county will help shape investment decisions and determine our attractiveness to local and foreign investors.
Given its strategic location as the gateway to the great lake region and a tourist hub, Mombasa can fully tap into this natural advantage if the infrastructure is developed to acceptable levels.
The importance of infrastructure for sustained economic development is well recognized. We are well aware that transaction costs arising from inadequate and inefficient infrastructure can prevent our economy from realising its full growth potential regardless of the progress on other fronts.
To this end we have invested in physical infrastructure covering transportation, power and communication and created linkages that facilitate growth. We have supported social infrastructure including water supply, sanitation, sewage disposal, education and health, which are primary services with a direct impact on the quality of life of our communities.
The County government of Mombasa has constructed more than 78 Km access roads in all sub counties which have improved access, reduced travel time, improved security and promoted economic activities in the areas
The improvement of Aldina-Kwa Ng’ombe Drift Bridge in Jomvu has enhanced security, improved connectivity, promoted economic development and improved social integration.
The installation of traffic lights at six junctions (Saba, Buxton, Kengeleni, Digo, Makadara and King’orani) has greatly reduced traffic congestion and improved safety.
Thanks to the County Traffic Marshals, the traffic flow has improved significantly that movement into the CBD has become smooth taking a little less time than before. Mr Balala however said there were major plans for the city including provision of dedicated lanes.
The drainage system has always been a nightmare in Mombasa and to address this the County Government constructed storm water drainage systems in Majengo, Old Malindi Road, Hongera road and drainage works at Soko Mjinga, Sisi kwa Sisi, Flamingo, Wayani , Mwijabu Primary, Likoni flats, among other areas which has reduced flooding and ensured road safety. This has also been enhanced by installation of gulley pots and covers along Digo road and Abdel Naser road.
In order to improve safety of pedestrians, reduce traffic congestion and bring sanity in the transportation sub sector, the County constructed bus stop bay along Ronald Ngala, New Malindi Road.
Another project that has been completed is the installation and maintenance of street lights in all sub counties which has promoted security of residents and businessmen and promoted economic activities.
The County has acquired road construction equipment such as graders, shovels, rollers, tippers and backhoe which has improved construction and maintenance of roads.
“We are working with limited budget yet what we need to meet the transport and infrastructure demands we will need up to 30 times of what we get as budget allocation. Mombasa like Nairobi County is city county need a different formula of budget allocations.
“The increase in population means the drainage system which is old needs to be replaced but with limited resources it makes it very difficult for us as county,” said Mr Balala.
Mr Balala calls for clear demarcation of the roles played by different government agencies involved in infrastructure and transport to avoid duplication or acts of omission in the discharge of duties.
The County is very genuine in her effort to bring about meaningful change. “The people of Mombasa must hold us accountable on what we do or fail to do. We have an open door policy for the people to walk in and give us feedback,” he said.
The drainage system has always been a nightmare in Mombasa and to address this the County Government constructed storm water drainage systems in Majengo, Old Malindi Road, Hongera road and drainage works at Soko Mjinga, Sisi kwa Sisi, Flamingo, Wayani , Mwijabu Primary, Likoni flats, among other areas which has reduced flooding and ensured road safety. This has also been enhanced by installation of gulley pots and covers along Digo road and Abdel Naser road.
In order to improve safety of pedestrians, reduce traffic congestion and bring sanity in the transportation sub sector, the county construction bus stop bay along Ronald Ngala, New Malindi Road.
Another project that has been completed is the installation and maintenance of street lights in all sub counties which has promoted security of residents and businessmen and promoted economic activities.
Acquired road construction equipment such as graders, shovels, rollers, tippers and backhoe which has improved construction and maintenance of roads.
We are working with limited budget yet what we need to meet the transport and infrastructure demands we will need up to 30 times of what we get as budget allocation. Mombasa like Nairobi County is city County need a different formula of budget allocations.
