The Kenya Government has announced the completion of the first berth at 40 billion New Lamu port and set to receive the first cargo ship on the 20th of this month.
The Ksh 40 billion port is to serve Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Uganda under LAPSSET corridor.
Speaking when he toured Lamu port Facility today,Yatani asked Kenya Ports Authority,Kenya Revenue, Authority and Kenya National Highways Authority,and Kenya Bureau of standard KEBS to fast truck installation of key infrastructure to facilitate investment.
“We want to ask you to work round the clock intergrate all ICT systems,in all agencies to ensure realignment of functions,we know there are challenges,but you must ensure we make it by May 30,”said Yatani .
The agencies are grappling with shortage of modern working space, internet connectivity,recruitment of personel, installation of key office equipments as well challenges of incomplete road network.
Speaking alongside his petroleum and mining John Munyes when the two met shipping and transport stakeholders Yatani announced that the government was keen to ensure smooth running of the facility.
However,there are fears that commencement of transpipment may be delayed as section of the 113 km road from Lamu to Garsene is yet to fully completed while the intented new Lapset Corridor may be delayed as a sesult of security concerns.
“We understand the road project between Garsene and Lamu will be completed by Mud-June,so we are urging Kenya National Highways Authority to ensure work is complete to facilitate transhipment.
The first Birth and yard at the Multi-Billion Lamu Port is 100 percent complete and ready to receive Vessels,While berths two and three,yards are still under construction.
Yatani confirmed the first ship will dock at the port on My 20.Players drawn from the Kenya ships agents association said now wants the government to increase the intensive period to ensure players get relief during the first year of operations.
The treasury CS was accompanied by Titus Imbui (Lapset)board chairman,KPA board chairman Joseph Kibwana,Kenya Railways corporation (KRC) chairman Pastor Omudho,(KRA’s) board chair Francis Muthaura,Acting KPA MD Rashid Salim and (ICDC) board Chair John Ngumi.
The port of Lamu will have a total of 23 modern berths measuring 400 meters wide baking almost double the size of berths in the main Mombasa port.
KPA is implementing various infrastructural projects to increase efficiency and maintain the dominance of the Port of Mombasa as the maritime hub in the East and Central African region.
All crucial equipments required to start port operations had been transferred to Lamu Port from the Mombasa port.
“All the equipment are on site and we are expecting to get the first ship on May 20,,”said Yatani.
Some of the hardware equipments included four Kalmar terminal tractors, eight skeletal trailers, one 25- tonne forklift, one five-tonne forklift, two low bed trailers, two (20) spreaders and two (40) spreaders and one over- height spreader.
Other equipment include the 106 metre long barge that will be sailing at a speed of five knots also include lifting gears, one forklift boom attachments, three rail chains as well as four lateral mark channel buoys (navigational aid devices) each complete with 20 metres chain