This Friday, Governor Fahim Twaha led other senior County officials in laying the foundation stone for the expansion of Faza Village’s only footbridge.

The bridge, which was constructed more than two decades ago, is the sole entry route to Faza village. It has continued to pose a significant risk to the over 3,000 Faza residents who use it on a regular basis due to its narrowness and absence of guard rails.

Governor Fahim Twaha spoke at the event expressing his concerns about the number of accidents and even deaths that have occurred on the bridge.

“This pedestrian footbridge is far too narrow, and there was no regard for vehicles or motorcycles when it was built. Times have changed; Vehicles, motorcycles, donkeys, ambulances, and pedestrians all rely on this narrow bridge these days “Governor Fahim said

Governor Twaha went on to outline the risk that Faza Ward residents face every day when negotiating the bridge.

“People have to take turns walking across the bridge, as chances of falling over are high, which wastes a lot of time. Vehicles and motorcycles are unable to overtake each other. Before an ambulance can proceed to rush a patient to the hospital, it must stop and wait for a donkey to walk the 500 meters narrow stretch ” he added.

The foot bridge, which measures about 500 metres in length and just about 2.5 metres in width, is the only entry point into and out of Faza town in Lamu East.That makes it crucial in the island’s transport system and it’s expansion is expected to benefit many other sorrounding villages including Mtangawanda, Bori, Bahamisi, Pate, Siyu, Shanga, Tchundwa, myabogi, Mbwajumali and kizingitini.

In 2015, a motorcyclist died on the spot after he fell into the ocean while attempting to avoid hitting a donkey on the bridge.

In November 2016, seven AP officers and two civilians narrowly escaped death after their land cruiser slid off the bridge and plunged into the ocean.

At least six people have fallen off the bridge and died in the past two years, while scores more nurse serious injuries following falls at the narrow bridge.

Construction works begin immediately.

-Ends-

Photography by Adam Musa

For more information contact:

Lamu County Government Communications Office at info@lamu.go.ke