Govt constructing Sh200mn wall to save locals from ocean water

The government has begun constructing a Sh200 million wall in Kizingitini, Lamu East Sub-County in a bid to stop water from the Indian Ocean flowing into residential areas.

It is the third time the wall in Kizingitini is being constructed after two previous walls collapsed due to the constant pressure caused by high tides and strong winds in the area.

Addressing the public at the Kizingitini Social Hall shortly after touring the project site on Monday, Lamu Senator Abu Chiaba who is also the chairman of the Senate Committee on Transport, Road, Housing and Infrastructure said the wall will be completed before the end of the year.

There have been constant cases of residential premises being swept away by heavy currents from the ocean.

In 2000 and 2004, more than 20 houses were destroyed prompting the construction of the wall to prevent water from the Indian Ocean reaching residential places.

The wall will benefit more than 5000 residents living in Kizingitini.

“Due to the trend of ocean waters reaching residential places, I had to consult President who by then was Daniel Arap Moi. Together with the minister for infrastructure and roads, we toured Kizingitini in 1992 and initiated the wall construction in the area,” said Mr Chiaba.

Lamu East MP Athman Sharif said the Kizingitini Sea Wall is an advanced one and that residents should not worry since it can withstand any water pressure.

He said they were also planning to raise similar walls in Faza and Ndau.