Lapsset project will be a game changer once complete - Fafi MP Yakub

 

Lapsset to be a game changer upon its completion

Fafi Member of Parliament Salah Yakub has expressed optimism that the Lapsset project will be a game changer once it is completed.

Yakub said even though the project had at some point stopped, things have changed for the better and that the project had fully resumed.

The project had stalled as a result of constant attacks orchestrated by the al Shabaab militants targeting the workers and equipment.

His constituency is one of those that has borne the brunt of insecurity that has claimed the lives of innocent lives among them officials who were working under the Lapsset project.

Since January 2021 there have been at least five incidences of Al Shabaab terrorist attack on the LAPSSET project corridor claiming at least 16 lives and leaving over 40 others in severe injuries.

A bodaboda rider using the lapsset road at Omar village. Several settlements have come up along the major road.
Image: STEPHEN ASTARIKO

There has also been destruction of property and construction equipment which include trucks, excavators, bulldozers, tippers, and rollers among others valued at least Sh200 million.

These attacks are mostly perpetrated through Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), rocket-propelled grenades, gun attacks and landmines.

However for almost a year now, no incident has been reported.

Speaking in Omar village on Saturday while on a development tour to villages situated along the Lapsset road, Yakub regretted that a lot of money was being spent to support the security aspect.

“It is extremely regrettable that the government is spending a lot of money to support the security aspect of this project. The money that should have catered for sand and cement for this road is now being used for security-related issues,” he said.

Bura East Deputy County Commissioner Thomas Bett adressing residents of Omar village on June 8, 2024
Image: STEPHEN ASTARIKO

He however exuded confidence that that the project will be completed in time commending the KDF for supporting the contractor and ensuring that the project goes on smoothly with no interruptions.

“Ours is to thank the government and making sure that this project takes its course and it is going to be completed in the shortest time possible so that the lives of our people are completely transformed for the better,” he said.

He added: “Speaking for my constituency as a result of this project a number of new settlements are coming up. Looking at the bigger picture businesses will thrive and our towns will experience tremendous growth."

Speaking in Garissa recently Director General LAPSSET Stephen Ikua noted that the LAPSSET Lamu Special Economic Zone, one of the key LAPSSET Corridor Project components once complete will offer both skilled and non-skilled employment opportunities that will spur economic prosperity of the Country. 

He said the LAPSSET project aims to seamlessly connect the Lamu port to Ethiopia and South Sudan noting that the existing routes connecting the port to the two (2) countries are longer compared to the proposed LAPSSET routes.

He said the LAPSSET, therefore aims to shorten the distance and traversal time between the port and the two countries thus making cargo transportation more economically viable.

 “The general objective of the LAPSSET project is to spur Kenyans economic vision of a sustainable industrial economy that strengthens economic development and integration across East Africa and provides local economic opportunities,” he said.

He added: “SEZ is not only a source of Direct Foreign Investments (FDI) but also creates employment opportunities and helps transfer managerial and technological skills all of which contribute to the economic development of the Country."

Fafi MP Salah Yakub tastes water from a borehole at Omar village that is situated along the lapsset road on June 8, 2024
Image: STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Coast Regional Manager LAPSSET noted that the LAPSSET Corridor roads when fully developed will provide a shorter route to Ethiopia as compared to the existing network.

"LAPSSET project will transform Lamu and Northern Kenya counties, making them easily accessible because of infrastructure development, hence spur economic growth. In addition, it will lead to regional integration hence boosting Africa trade," he said.

Thomas Bett, Deputy County Commissioner Bura East said that the sub county security committee has put in measures to ensure that the Lapsset project goes on smoothly.

He thanked residents for the role they have continued to play in ensuring that security is maintained.

He said that in conjunction with KDF and the Subcounty security committee, they have been able to cover the whole stretch of the Subcounty covering 77 kilometres and ensuring that it is well secured.

He noted that the settlements along the Lapsset road have played a crucial role in security.

He said they continue to offer crucial information to the security apparatus who act in time to deter any would-be attacks.

“We want to call upon the people who have settled along the Lapsset road to continue cooperating with the security agencies that are operating along the road," he said.

"Any information that will be of help to deter terrorism and related activities along this road are highly welcomed. Any information that will be volunteered by members of the public will be treated with the confidentiality it deserves,” Bett said.

by STEPHEN ASTARIKO