Governor Hassan Joho unveils ambitious Sh33 billion 'dream city' plan for Mombasa

Mombasa County Governor Hassan Joho (centre) flanked by among others the Ministry of Lands , Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Mariam El Maawy, His Deputy Hazel Katana (left) at the Mombasa golf club course in Mombasa County on Saturday,08th April,2016. This was during the launch of the Digital Topographical Maps and Integrated Urban development plan for the Mombasa City. The Launch of the Mombasa Vision 2035 is expected to transform Mombasa into a vibrant and modern regional commercial hub. [PHOTO BY MAARUFU MOHAMED/STANDARD]

Mombasa Governor Hassan Ali Joho yesterday unveiled the county's dream city in a Sh33 billion blueprint.

He said the county government will raise capital to implement the blueprint through strategic partnerships and alliance with development partners, financiers, venture capitalists and through Public Private Partnership.

He promised to improve revenue collection adding that through the development plan they have identified funding shortfalls and recommended remedies.

Mr Joho is optimistic that the county's Vision 2035 would transform the region and position it as a business and investment hub.

"For those asking about the sustainability of implementing this project I tell them that I'm sure I will be re-elected in 2017 and that in 2022 I will be the President and yes I will oversee its full implementation," he said.

The Governor said the blueprint will double Mombasa County's contribution to the Gross Domestic Product.

Currently, according to government estimates, Mombasa contributes about 18 per cent to the GDP.

"For the last 40 years the story about Mombasa is about the lost opportunities. Mombasa should have marched into the present but instead it limped. The population grew but the infrastructure remained the same. This is the tale of missed opportunities," said Joho.

The county government promised decent housing for residents and vowed to demolish old houses.

Joho said it was the responsibility of his administration's to provide "decent and affordable" houses for residents and that plans were underway to transform the county's nine estates to create more housing units.

"Through the housing plan we will be able to bring down the housing deficit in the county by 16 per cent and I ask the critics of the plan to give us their input," said Joho.

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, Lands Principal Secretary Mariamu El Maawy, MPs Abdulswamad Nassir (Mvita), Badi Twalib (Jomvu), Rashid Benzimba (Kisauni) and Kwale County Commissioner Evans Achoki attended yesterday's launch.

Senator Hassan Omar, Nyali MP Hezron Awiti and his Likoni counterpart Mwalim Mwahima who are fierce critics of the county's housing plan were absent.

Joho assured residents in areas earmarked for the implementation of the mega project in the blueprint that they will not be forcibly evicted and asked locals to support the development initiative.

National Land Commission Chairman Mohamed Swazuri said that development plans in the country were being frustrated by astronomical compensation claims by the locals.

"We commend the county for coming up with this elaborate plan but the challenge lies in the implementation especially there is a growing culture in Mombasa where every project is opposed," said Mr Swazuri.