Relief for motorists as Dongo Kundu bypass opens

The Sh24 billion Southern bypass in Mombasa has been opened to motorists in bid to decongest the Likoni crossing channel.

The Dongo Kundu bypass between Miritini to the north and Kibundani to the South Coast is complete except for street lighting, a final layer of tarmac, markings, and drainage in some sections.

Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) communications manager, Samuel Kundu, said Thursday that the bypass that includes the Mwache and Mteza bridges was open to the public.

However, Kundu said the project was 96 per cent complete and the contract Fujita Mitsubishi Corporation was doing final touches awaiting the official opening.

"The project is yet to be formally commissioned. It is 96 per cent complete," he said.

A spot check by The Standard revealed that motorists were already using the new road, which has provided an alternative to the Likoni ferry crossing channel.

Tourism players said they saved more than two hours wasted at the Likoni crossing channel due to traffic snarl up.

They said they now have a shorter route to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) station at Miritini and the Moi International Airport in Mombasa.

"I have today enjoyed a smooth drive from Diani beach to the airport in Mombasa without going through the hustle at the Likoni," Kahindi Kuhe, a tourist van driver, said.

Pollman's company driver Hamisi Salim said it took him about 45 minutes from Diani Beach to Mombasa through the Dongo Kundu bypass yesterday.

"To us, this is a success story. We could spend up to five hours during heavy traffic jams at Likoni Ferry. Now, we only spend a few minutes to reach the airport. It also costs me Sh280 to pay the ferry toll charge," he said.

Mr Solomon Tsuma, a driver from Diani to Nairobi, said he was relieved from the congested ferry channel.

"I have enjoyed a smooth drive. It is faster, and I have not paid a penny. It has saved time going to Mombasa island while going to Nairobi.  It is my first time using it, and I am happy," he said.

Mr Kirk Demeter, owner of a travel firm, Africa Answers, described the bypass route as a game changer for the South Coast tourist haven.

"Dongo Kundu bypass is a game changer for the tourist sector in this area. It will make the tourism sector more attractive to visitors and make it easier to market the south coast as a destination," he said.

Hamid Juma, a Mombasa resident, said he went for a test drive on the new road to get a feel of it. He lamented that delays at the Likoni crossing channel wasted time and fuel.

"I usually waste time and fuel while using the Likoni crossing channel. I could lose up to two hours in the traffic jam at the Likoni ferry. I would rather use this long route to Mombasa island than waste time at Likoni," he said.

KeNHA opened one side of the dual carriageway to the public as they put final touches on the other side.