Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala at a past function. [Photo/nation.co.ke]
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has raised concern over the delayed construction of a cruise ship terminal at the Port of Mombasa.Speaking on Saturday at KPA terminal one upon the arrival of MS Nautica Cruise Ship, Balala said that the county risks being locked out of the cruise circuit unless the construction of the terminal is fastened.He also said the national government expressed its commitment to being part of the circuit, but not much has been realised since then.Balala also said he will find it tough defending the nation during the Sea Trade Convention to be held in March next year, considering the delays. He also said the nation will not be able to sign any contract with other countries if the terminal remains unconstructed."How do we go there yet we have no facility to confirm? We will not be able to sign contracts with cruise ships if we lack a facility. We have already delayed our promises,” said Balala, as quoted by The Star.He further said the government had promised to complete the construction by November after pushing the date from August but still there is nothing to smile about. KPA managing director Catherine Muturi on November 21 said the construction is expected to be complete by June 2018.