State to build second Nyali bridge

The current Nyali bridge which was built in the early 1980s to replace a colonial-era suspension bridge. It can, however, no longer adequately cater for the town’s increased traffic. [PHOTO: FILE/STANDARD]

The Government has announced a new plan to construct a second bridge across Mombasa's Tudor Creek.

The move is intended to help de-congest the island and provide an additional link to North Coast which is currently accessed by the four lane Nyali Bridge.

Built in the early 1980s, the bridge can no longer adequately cater for the town's increased traffic.

The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura) yesterday announced that experts are already on the ground carrying out a feasibility study to be completed in July this year.

This will then pave way for the procurement process to identify the most suited contractor, a process that could take about 12 months.

Actual construction is therefore scheduled for next year in the ambitious venture fronted by the Government and the county government through a public private partnership (PPP).

Addressing the Press at Flamingo Beach Resort, Kura Acting Director General Peter Mundinia said Deloitte Consulting Ltd will be the transaction advisors leading a consortium of firms.

Priority project

Mr Mundinia said the six-month study will determine the exact site of the bridge, length, cost, settlement of those to be displaced and environmental concerns.

He said this is a priority project which is in line with efforts by the Government to help the county government de-congest the city.

"For 35 years, the current Nyali bridge was adequate but due to economic growth recorded over the years at North Coast, there is urgent need for a second bridge," he said.

The Kura official, who was with Deloitte Director of Finance Services John Ponsonby, said said motorists using the bridge will be required to pay for the facility adding that Government is consulting with stakeholders at every stage of development.

Mr Ponsonby described the project as a serious venture, confirming the six-month feasibility study was in progress.

He said the firm will be leading advisor on feasibility studies, legal, environmental and financial processes until the project is fully developed.

The director said the private sector, scheduled to finance the project, will recoup its funds from Government or project users.

The existing Nyali bridge was constructed through a loan, of approximately Sh2.6 million, acquired by the Government from Japan.