Mombasa matatus want roads in CBD expanded to ease jams
Matatus and Tuktuks jam Jomo Kenyatta Avenue in Mombasa. Matatu owners in Mombasa want roads in the coastal town’s CBD expanded to curb congestion. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- He said Posta offices in Ganjoni along Moi Avenue, Makupa and Changamwe roundabout should be re-worked.
- Two years ago, the county’s traffic department reduced two main roundabouts in the CBD.
- The opening of Dongo Kundu bypass has provided an alternative route both to the airport and the Miritini SGR terminus.
Matatu owners in Mombasa want roads in the coastal town’s central business district expanded to curb congestion.
Matatu Owners Association Coast co-ordinator Salim Mbarak said pavements should be reduced for expansion of the roads.
“We saw that the county managed to reduce some roundabouts back then and it helped. We believe if they work on the other ones it will help in allowing free flow of vehicles,” said Mr Mbarak.
He said Posta offices in Ganjoni along Moi Avenue, Makupa and Changamwe roundabout should be re-worked.
ROUNDABOUTS
Two years ago, the county’s traffic department reduced two main roundabouts in the CBD allowing free flow of vehicles along Digo Road.
Mr Mbarak said a review on the CBD roads will help in enhancing movement to the newly completed roads mainly in Changamwe.
He added that further plans will open the Makupa causeway where cases of train derailments have been reported. A train line passes near the highway.
“We have seen that the national government has opened up the Kipevu West road and if they work on a long-term plan of putting up a bridge at the Makupa causeway then we will have smooth flow,” said Mr Mbarak.
KIPEVU
He said the opening up of the Kipevu West road has opened up movement for matatus and other vehicles.
The completion of the new roads in parts of Mombasa West has eased traffic flow and movement in the resort city, boosting tourism and business.
Travellers accessing Mombasa International Airport and the standard gauge railway (SGR) terminus from the island have been among the major beneficiaries.
SGR TERMINUS
The opening of phase one of the Dongo Kundu bypass has provided an alternative route both to the airport and the Miritini SGR terminus. It now takes less time from Mombasa town to the SGR station.
Phase two of the bypass is set to begin before the end of this year.
The phase two will include an 8.9km road between Mwache junction and Mteza while the third phase will see a 6.9km road built between Mteza and Kibundani linking the highway to the Likoni-Lunga Lunga Road where there will be an interchange.
Further, two bridges will be constructed, one at Mwache (900 metres long) and another at Mteza (1.4km long).
A sightseeing bay will also be built and 88 hectares of mangroves will be replanted.
