Kenya approves KPA's Sh3.5 billion port dredging plan
Mombasa port channel will be deepened and widened beginning this year to allow larger ships to call. The project will cost the Government Sh3.5 billion and has to be completed within three years to avoid the risk of the port being reduced into a mere feeder port.
Transport minister Mr Chirau Ali Mwakwere said the Government has finally approved a Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) proposal for dredging works. The minister was addressing Mombasa port users on Friday night at Nyali Beach Hotel in Mombasa when he launched a customer service charter for KPA. The service charter is part of new efforts by KPA to respond to demands of its customers, some of whom have complained of bureaucracy and long delays.
The minister said that if Mombasa port is reduced to a feeder port, then it will be forced to rely on small ships collecting cargo destined for Mombasa from major ports in the region, which would be too costly. "The dredging project will be undertaken in three phases starting 2007 to 2010," Mwakwere said. Present were Transport Assistant minister Mr Robinson Githae, KPA chairman General (rtd) Joseph Kibwana and KPA Managing Director, Mr Abdalla Mwaruwa.
Mwakwere said the port dredging will be implemented alongside the construction of a second container terminal estimated to cost Sh20 billion. He said the projects would modernise Mombasa port and address emerging challenges in the maritime
Transport minister Mr Chirau Ali Mwakwere said the Government has finally approved a Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) proposal for dredging works. The minister was addressing Mombasa port users on Friday night at Nyali Beach Hotel in Mombasa when he launched a customer service charter for KPA. The service charter is part of new efforts by KPA to respond to demands of its customers, some of whom have complained of bureaucracy and long delays.
The minister said that if Mombasa port is reduced to a feeder port, then it will be forced to rely on small ships collecting cargo destined for Mombasa from major ports in the region, which would be too costly. "The dredging project will be undertaken in three phases starting 2007 to 2010," Mwakwere said. Present were Transport Assistant minister Mr Robinson Githae, KPA chairman General (rtd) Joseph Kibwana and KPA Managing Director, Mr Abdalla Mwaruwa.
Mwakwere said the port dredging will be implemented alongside the construction of a second container terminal estimated to cost Sh20 billion. He said the projects would modernise Mombasa port and address emerging challenges in the maritime