By KNA
The Government has set aside Sh. 100 million towards the rehabilitation of Forte Jesus and a further Sh. 15 million towards the Vasco Da Gama pillar to ensure they are protected from the vagaries of the weather.
NMK Director General Dr. Mzalendo Kibunjia while speaking in Malindi said that rising seas fueled by melting glaciers and ice caps threaten to swallow these coastal landmarks.
Dr. Kibunjia said a recent feasibility study conducted by marine engineers from UNESCO have warned that if things continue unchanged many coastal sites of historical and cultural significance will be underwater.
The growing consequences of climate change have over time put many of the country’s most iconic and historical sites across the coastline at great risk according to the National Museums of Kenya.
Due to rising sea levels heritage sites and landmarks like the Vasco Da Gama Pillar, the Forte Jesus and the old British Customs House in Vanga, along the shoreline face perilous and uncertain future.
Dr. Kibunjia emphasized on the need to preserve the rich heritage assets dating several centuries and tourist attraction sites that have made Mombasa and Malindi important destinations in the world.
