MOMBASA: The Government and Trademark East Africa ( TMA) have signed a Sh1.8 billion ($20m) agreement to convert Port Reitz-Moi International Airport access road in Mombasa into a dual carriage highway.

Speaking during the official grant signing ceremony at the Moi International Aiport in Mombasa, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary , Henry Rotich said the access road is among Government projects meant to boost economic growth by improving infrastructure.

‘’We recognise that in order to achieve substantial economic growth and reduce poverty in the country, we need to continue looking for similar ways to open up markets to other parts of the region such as this,’’ he said.

Trademark East Africa was represented at the ceremony by its director general David Stanton. Infrastructure Principal Secretary John Musonik, his counteroart in the Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries Ministry, Sicily Kariuki and Moi Airport Manager Yatich Kagungo were also present.

Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is implementing the project. Rotich added that the scope of work on the Port Reitz-Moi International Airport access (C110) road includes design and construction of a 6.4 kilometre stretch to dual carriageway .

He said the project is divided into two sectors with the first one being the Magongo road that starts from the Changamwe roundabout to the airport access and terminates at the Moi International Airport roundabout.

The second section will be the Port Reitz road that runs from the junction of the airport access to the gate of the Port Reitz district hospital.

‘’There will also be improvement of the alternative loop joining Port Reitz District Hospital and Airport road ,’’ the CS said.

IMPORTANT LINK

Port Reitz Road will reduce operating costs along the transport route to and from Kipevu West Container terminal . Stanton called it an important link.

“Infrastructure modernisation will help boost trade. We at Trademark East Africa are happy to be co-financing this project with the Government of Kenya,” he said.

Stanton explained that the modernisation of the port of Mombasa is key to the region’s development.

He said that he hopes the road improvement project will be completed in 18 months after its commencement.

‘’The new road project will add the aesthetic value of the surrounding area apart from ensuring that vehicles travels faster and congestion is reduced,’’ he said.

Source: Standard Digital

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TradeMark Africa.