Road Construction and Political Tensions in Mombasa
A section of Links Road in Nyali, Mombasa, has been the center of attention as construction work began on Friday. This development comes after a six-month closure was announced by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura), sparking discussions about the timeline and implications for local motorists.
Nyali MP Mohammed Ali emphasized that while the closure period is set at six months, it does not necessarily mean the road will be inaccessible for that entire duration. He explained that unforeseen challenges such as heavy rainfall could cause delays, hence the extended timeframe. “The six-month period is to cater for those unforeseen delays,” he said, highlighting the unpredictability of weather conditions.
Ali further elaborated on the scope of the project, stating that the road will be raised from just before Quickmart supermarket to just after the Links Plaza. This adjustment aims to address the issue of flooding that occurs when it rains. According to Duncan Odhiambo, chairman of the Architectural Association of Kenya Mombasa branch, the road lies below sea level, which exacerbates the flooding problem. He pointed out that poor planning in the area, including the approval of buildings without considering their impact on other facilities, contributes to the drainage issues. “The drainage has been blocked, and whenever water accumulates during the rainy season, it has nowhere to go,” Odhiambo noted.
Despite the initial announcement of a three-month construction period by Kura officials, the six-month closure has raised concerns among the business community and architects. They argue that a small stretch of road should not require such an extended period. Ali assured the public that the goal is to raise the road and complete the work to ensure convenient passage for vehicles and people.
However, he acknowledged that the drainage issue remains under the purview of the county government. He called on Governor Abdulswamad Nassir to address the drainage problems, emphasizing the importance of leaders taking responsibility for their actions rather than attributing success to others. Ali mentioned his efforts to secure Sh64 million for the road repair after months of neglect, expressing frustration with individuals who claim credit for his work.
His comments were seen as a subtle critique of politicians in Mombasa who have not fulfilled their mandates. Ali, known for being a lone ranger in Mombasa politics, has been focused on the county’s top seat. However, when asked about potential challenges to Nassir’s position, he remained cautious. He cited his recent health struggles as a reason for his silence, stating that he has been suffering in silence for the past nine months.
Ali expressed gratitude for the support from close friends and colleagues who have visited him, offering encouragement and wishing for a quick recovery. He acknowledged the questions from his supporters about his future direction but emphasized the need for privacy during his healing process.
Political Disputes Over Road Maintenance
The damaged section of Links Road has become a focal point of political tension between Nyali MP Mohammed Ali and the county government. While Ali attributes the damage to poor drainage managed by the county, the county government claims the road falls under national jurisdiction, limiting their ability to intervene in repairs. This dispute highlights the complexities of infrastructure management and the need for collaboration between different levels of government to address critical issues affecting the community.
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