As Covid-19 curve flattens, Mombasa hopes to reopen Mama Ngina Waterfront soon
The Sh480 million Mama Ngina Waterfront Park has been idle as Kenyans keep off the facility as part of the Covid-19 containment measures.
What you need to know:
- Mombasa County Secretary Dennis Lewa said the final decision will be made upon meeting with the County Covid-19 Response Committee.
- A source privy to details of the reopening said a protocol has already been developed.
It's a relief for Mombasa residents after the Mama Ngina Waterfront board signalled plans to reopen the facility following a dip in Covid-19 numbers.
Mombasa County Secretary Dennis Lewa said the final decision will be made upon meeting with the County Covid-19 Response Committee.
"Mama Ngina's reopening just needs approval from the County Covid-19 Committee. They are scheduled to meet. The Mama Ngina Waterfront board wrote to the committee requesting for the reopening. Once they meet, we will have a date," Mr Lewa said.
A protocol has already been developed
A source privy to details of the reopening said a protocol has already been developed.
The waterfront is currently only open for sports.
"We have the park open from 6-7am and in the evening from 5-7pm to allow residents to work out and keep fit. We have allowed the public to use the facility partially," revealed a source who is not authorised to speak to the press.
According to the board, measures are being taken before the waterfront is reopened to ensure social distancing and have enough water points for hand-washing.
On Tuesday, while addressing the press in his office, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, however, warned that the county is still at risk as the rate of transmission remained high, at 5.4 percent.
Governor Joho urged residents not to lower their guard as the Covid-19 curve was yet to flatten.
"We are currently at 5.4 (percent) transmission rate. Unless we get to below five (percent) as per the World Health Organization guidelines, we cannot take chances with our people's lives," Governor Joho said.
The waterfront board is, however, agonising over the spacing of the stalls, which do not meet the 1.5 metres required social distance.
"If we have to allow traders in, we are worried about the spacing between them. It's a challenge. We are planning to put up signs at the two entrances to give instructions to the public," revealed the source.
Members of the public will also be required to carry sanitisers when the park is reopened.
Mombasa County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo, on March 15, ordered the indefinite closure of public beaches and recreational areas, including Mama Ngina Waterfront Park, to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
