The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and the County
Government of Mombasa are at odds over the deplorable Links Road in Nyali,
which becomes impassable during the rainy season.
The disagreement comes in the wake of a tragic incident
where a woman lost her left eye after being struck by debris while travelling
in a tuk-tuk that got stuck in a flooded section of the road near the Basic
Mall.
The Authority has commenced routine maintenance on the road
for Sh64 million to enhance mobility in the flood-prone area.
KURA Coast region Deputy Director Endelinah Eustace stated
during a stakeholders’ consultation meeting that their goal is to have smooth movement
without being affected by water.
“We want to address
those issues so that we can have traffic and pedestrians moving smoothly
without being affected by the water,” said Endelinah.
Endelinah emphasized that while KURA is responsible for road
maintenance and construction, the management of storm water drainage falls
under the jurisdiction of the County Government.
A victim, Fatma Osman, recounted how she lost her eye
after an object struck her while the tuk-tuk she was in got stuck on the
damaged road.
“I’ve lost my eye and will never see again. I’m the
breadwinner in my family. Who will take care of me now? I lost my eye because
of a pothole. I want to know who is responsible,” she said.
While sympathising with Osman, Eustace shifted the blame
to the County Government, stating that KURA had been maintaining the road prior
to the heavy rains.
She further attributed the flooding to housing developments
along the road, and the responsibility of draining the section lies with the
County Government.
“The problem is mainly caused by the developments that are
approved by the County Government along our roads, blocking the waterways,
meaning now our roads cannot drain properly,” she stated.
She also urged the devolved government to consult KURA
before approving developments along roads.
In response, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for
Roads Dan Manyala said the road is under KURA, adding that they have agreed to
cooperate with the Authority to rehabilitate the road.
He further disclosed that the County has appealed to the
State Department of Roads to transfer maintenance responsibilities for Shimanzi,
Links, and Fidel Odinga roads to the County if KURA is overwhelmed.
Manyala also advised motorists to use alternative routes
while repairs are underway.
Meanwhile, CECM for Lands and Housing, Mohamed Hussein,
dismissed allegations of irregular building approvals. He insisted that all
developers follow proper procedures before construction and advised KURA to
consult with the County before launching road projects.
“Those who build without the County Government’s approval,
we will deal with them and we will demolish the buildings. Anyone who is
breaking the law, we will not compromise, we will deal with them accordingly,”
Hussein said.
Kadzandani MCA Fatma Kushe encouraged KURA to conduct public participation before commencing projects to avert the wastage of taxpayers’ money.
North Coast Ratepayers and Residents Association Chairman
Ali Taib called on KURA to expand the road, as there is rapid construction
along major roads in Nyali, and the existing infrastructure can no longer
sustain the load.
They also appealed to the devolved government to review
their building approval policies and re-examine the zoning policy.
