President Uhuru Kenyatta with his deputy William Ruto during the relaunch of the Mtongwe ferry. Photo/ PSCU
The Government has invested over Sh40 billion in infrastructure projects to accelerate development in the Coast region, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.
Speaking on Monday when he launched resumption of the Mtongwe ferry services, President Kenyatta said his Administration has also set aside Sh2.2 billion to buy two new ferries to boost services.The President announced that the new ferries – which will arrive in the country between June and July this year – are part of the Jubilee Government’s initiatives to ease the movement of goods and people to the South Coast.“Movement of people, goods and services has been a major hurdle to the development of the South Coast but we have embarked on a journey that will address that challenge,” the President said when he addressed Mtongwe residents who turned out in large numbers to witness the resumption of the ferry services across the channel.President Kenyatta said over 30,000 people will be using the improved Mtongwe ferry services daily, saying plans are also underway to construct a ramp that will enable vehicles to cross the channel using the ferry.The President pointed out that the Government is also constructing the Dongo Kundu road among other road projects to open up the South Coast for more trade, investment and accelerated development.“We have invested billions of shillings in these projects to attract investors who will create jobs for our young people as well as stimulate economic growth,” the President said.He censured Opposition politicians for concentrating on drama, sideshows and political supremacy battles at the expense of initiating projects for the benefit of the electorate.“As an elected leader, you must know that chest-thumping instead of implementing projects is of no benefit to the electorate,” President Kenyatta told Opposition leaders.Deputy President William Ruto – who accompanied the President –Mombasa residents want leaders who will work to improve their lives through efficient service provision not those who only focus on political squabbles.The Deputy President called on the residents to vote for Jubilee leaders to transform the Coastal city which has lost its past glory under the ODM-led county government.Likoni Member of Parliament Masoud Mwahima thanked President Kenyatta for the resumption of the Mtongwe ferry services, saying Coast residents will support Jubilee because of its development record in the region.“We are supporting Jubilee because we can see where it is taking us in terms of development,” the Likoni legislator said.Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) Chairman Ramadhan Kajembe said the resumption of the Mtongwe ferry services will reduce congestion at Likoni Ferry as well as ensure residents do not pay double fare for the same journey.
By PSCU.