The government will construct a causeway connecting Funzi Island and the mainland at Kingwede in Kwale county for Sh100 million.
Infrastructure PS John Mosonik said this at the weekend when he took Deputy President William Ruto on a tour of the project site.
The causeway will be about two kilometres. It traverses the Munje Mangrove Forest, crosses a section of the Indian Ocean and ends on Funzi Island in Msambweni constituency.
The scope of the project consists of a two-kilometre gravel standard road, the construction of a 500-metre-long causeway and the building of four concrete twin culverts. It will be implemented by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority and will be completed in December.
It had been delayed to seek wayleave approval by the Kenya Forest Services. This was eventually granted in May.
Speaking during the tour, Ruto thanked residents for their patience. He said the problems associated with wading through water to access the island will end.
Community chairman Swalehe Rengwa thanked the government for the gesture. He said they had waited for the past 63 years.
Mosonik said the government, through its road funding programmes, had set aside more than Sh23 billion to tarmac rural roads. He said the roads will reduce travel time, lower vehicle operating costs, spur rural development, alleviate poverty and improve access to social amenities and markets.
“The project has a special place in my heart because I believe it will transform the lives of residents fundamentally,” the PS said.
Meanwhile, the completion of the causeway will be a blessing to residents. Funzi island is known for its tourist attraction sites.
It is home to several hotels and restaurants, pristine beaches, traditional meals and cultural tours. Better transport will increase the number of travellers, hence open the area for increased business.