Construction of a sea wall in the Indian Ocean at Fort Jesus. [Photo|   Ali Hassan Joho]Conservationist Dr Richard Leakey has commended Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho and the National Land Commission (NlC) Muhammad Swazuri after they stopped construction of a sea wall in the Indian Ocean at Fort Jesus.The reclamation project by the National Museums of Kenya was stopped on January 11 after the two leaders toured the area. While the County Government of Mombasa fully supports the protection and conservation of all historical and heritage sites, Joho said it was imperative that such measures are done within the stipulated by laws and with due regards to other environmental and ecological factors.He said the National Museums of Kenya did seek for approval to construction a sea wall to protect the historic fort but went beyond the terms of the approval to start a process that would eventually have reclaimed up to 2 acres of the sea thereby adversely effecting the delicate marine ecology of entire Tudor creek and fishing zones beyond. "This would also have defaced the historical view of the fort and essentially moved it from the seafront to mainland."They consequently instructed the contractor to immediately cease and restore all works at the site including reopening of the public beach access. According to Dr Leakey, the project was reckless and should be investigated.

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