Beautification of Lamu heritage site begins

Rehabilitation of the Lamu World Heritage Site that will see 100 street lights put up at the seafront has begun.

The Sh40 million project is meant to give the old town a facelift in order to attract investors.

Lamu County Governor Issa Timamy, who initiated the project, said the street lights would be installed from the Lamu County Hospital to the Wiyoni area.

He said the project will also involve laying of cabro pavement along major roads on the island.

Mr Timamy said the project, which is funded by the county government in partnership with private firms, will also see trees planted in the town.

The firms include Kenya Commercial Bank, Diamond Trust Bank, ABC Bank, Equity Bank and Gulf African Bank, each of which was required to contribute 10 street lighting polls each.

The other organisations include Kenya Ports Authority and Kenya Airports Authority, each supposed to give 25 street light polls.

The governor said the project will be completed by November, before the annual Lamu Cultural Festival.

“I bought the idea and urged well-wishers to support it. Five banks have already assisted by buying 10 street light poles. Two institutions including KPA and KAA have not yet submitted their share of 25 polls each but I am very sure that we will receive their response soon,” said Mr Timamy.

He said the hotel and tourism sectors have suffered immensely since the deadly attacks that rocked the county in June and July this year.