The Mombasa County Assembly on Wednesday approved a motion on establishment of water transport Infrastructure for enhanced mobility and economic growth.
The motion which was sponsored by Shanzu MCA Allen Katana seeks to improve the county revenue collection, tourism sector and decongest the city.
“Mombasa County, holds a unique geographical advantage that can be optimally utilized to foster water transport as it lies alongside the Indian Ocean. Implementation of water transport has a potential to give revenue to the County,” argued Katana.
Katana cited a model witnessed in Lamu, where speed boats efficiently ferry passengers and goods between the mainland and islands.
He also gave other examples of Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar among others where the model has proven to be successful.
He further pointed out that the venture will create employment opportunities for the residents thus boosting economic growth and decongesting the existing road network.
The motion gained massive support from Members who argued that water transport has the potential to augment revenue streams, invigorate tourism and enhance overall transportation efficiency within the County.
The assembly resolved to task the county government to initiate a thorough feasibility study to assess the viability of establishing water transport infrastructure and Collaborate with relevant maritime authorities and other stakeholders in line of expertise to develop and implement a strategic plan for the establishment of the venture.
The assembly also tasked the county government to create public awareness on the benefits water transport for the community to support the initiative.
This comes at a time when the county has been experiencing heavy floods that has seen several houses submerged and roads rendered impassable.
