The Fort Jesus historical monument. [Photo/kenyahotelsltd.com]
A multi-million seawall is currently being constructed to protect the already damaged foundation of Fort Jesus Museum in Mombasa from strong tidal waves and effects of global warming of the Indian Ocean.
The Sh500 million wall construction comes at a time when several other historical monuments and sites in coast region are in danger of collapsing due to extreme water levels and erosion.
Classified under the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fort Jesus builtin 1591 which is today a major tourist attraction is under threat of collapsing as the cliff on which the Fort stand is slowly being eroded by sea water.
According to the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) who are the custodians of national monuments and sites, the on-going construction of the seawall that initially faced resistance from the County Government of Mombasa over claims of land reclamation will be completed in the next six months.
The NMK Director-General Dr Mzalendo Kibunjia, has sounded an alarm that strong tidal waves caused by a warming planet are putting iconic and historical sites across the coastline at great risk.
“Climate change is here with us and affects world heritage and iconic sites, and Kenya is no exception,” said Dr Kibunjia, during an exclusive interview with Kenya News Agency in Mombasa.
The NMK boss said the Vasco da Gama Pillar in Malindi, Jumba la Mtwana (House of Slave) in Kilifi, Shanga and Taqwa ruins in Lamu, and the Old British Customs House in Vanga are some historical sites that are facing uncertain future due to rising sea levels.
NMK director of Antiquates, Sites and Monuments Dr Purity Kiura said all the entire historical sites in Coast region are facing imminent collapse if corrective measures are not taken soon.
“These entire historical and cultural sites along the shoreline enlisted by UNESCO for their outstanding universal value now face perilous and uncertain future due to rising sea levels” said Dr Kiura.