A multi-billion road project has residents in Likoni, Mombasa County up in arms over its proximity to a local primary school.
The locals raised concern over the construction of the second phase of the Dongo Kundu Road as it takes places metres away from the school buildings.
A major issue raised is the amount of dust that is generated from the project site which they stated had affected the students since they reopened in January 2021.
The residents noted that the unmitigated dust from the road project was causing chest problems to the children and teachers at Mwangala Primary school.
"The children can't concentrate in class due to the noise from the road," an environmentalist in the area disclosed adding that there were mitigation measures the contractor should have observed while carrying out works in the area.
They further stated that disruption to the school was extensive as there was no barrier between the classes and the road project.
The locals want the contractor to water the road three times a day to quell the dust that is generated from the excavation of the road.
"We also want the contractor to build a stone wall in the area around the school to prevent the noise and to also assure of the safety of the schools," a resident added.
The Dongo Kundu bypass which is being built at a cost of Ksh28 Billion is meant to provide an alternative route to South Coast and is set to be completed in 2023.
It is expected to save locals and visitors the pain of using the congested and unreliable Likoni ferry crossing, known for a breakdown of vessels.
Locals have expressed that the road will be beneficial to them as it is will play a huge role in opening up the region for trade.
"We will be able to engage in many businesses and trade within the region once the road is complete and also transport will be cheaper," a resident noted.
