Reclamation of Quarry Site
The Ngomongo quarry in 1991 was a neglected wasteland of approximately 16 acres (65,000 m2). This vast urban eyesore resulted from coral limestone mining.
Inspired by a previously successful project, Haller Park initiated by Dr. Rene Haller in Bamburi Beach, Dr. Gikandi applied Haller's approach to rehabilitate the barren quarry. It was a hazard to the neighbours as it acted as a retreat for robbers.
At around this time, the Mombasa municipal council had earmarked the quarry as the municipal refuse dumping site. if carried out this would have contaminated the water table which lies only four feet below the quarry floor, and by extension the Indian Ocean coastal and marine ecosystem. The built up surrounding urban neighbourhood would have suffered air pollution from the decomposing dumped municipal refuse.
Once reclamation work had started, he then involved individuals and the community in tree planting. This was later followed by incorporation of cultural tourism to ensure sustainability.
Read more about this topic: Ngomongo Villages
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Out of an unseen quarry evermore
Furnished with tile, the fierce artificer
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