Figure 4.36 Lamu Old Town waterfront issues and opportunities

One of the key observations raised by the heritage bodies indicates that development in Lamu Old Town is inconsistent with the Swahili vernacular, specifically materials palette, spaces and public realm current articulation, clash with local identity and detract from the heritage’s integrity.

The following catalogue identifies key issues observable in the town and good examples to help guide further small-scale physical interventions that can be implemented by individuals or small groups of stakeholders.

The underlying objective is to illustrate what small, incremental changes might look like. Other interventions might require a more systemic approach (ie. lighting, paving, or local transport) and a coordinated approach, but these are instrumental in preserving the historical traits of the town.

The review of local influences (which in turn derive from a wide range of backgrounds, namely Swahili building techniques incorporating Arabic, Persian, Indian and European influences) capture both tangible and intangible attributes.

This section illustrates key physical elements (such as carving patterns, walls, materials, doors and architraves, verandas and arcades) as well as the intangible flavour of traditional festivals (and their rites) that capture the Swahili tradition.

The sections cover:

> Street and spaces; > Wayfinding and signage; > Lighting; > Street furniture; > Examples of practical applications

Figure 4.36 Photos of Swahili architecture on Lamu Island

Source: Atkins site visit

4.4.2.1  Project 9: Lamu Old Town waterfront improvement and town centre improvement

Project overview

The tourism-based anchor projects include the upgrading of the waterfront area around the existing jetty which is currently identified for upgrade in the LIIUDP. The proposals within this project, whilst leveraging, acknowledging, and integrating the LIIUDP infrastructure developments, take a broader view with regards to climate resilient initiatives (mitigations for sea level rise for example) and linking the waterfront with the other activity zones within the town such as UNESCO World Heritage Site and the northern cargo jetty such as Wiyoni Bay and even south to Shela Town.

The proposals are to improve its touristic potential through better access and circulation linking it to the wider area with targeted signage and upgraded streets and public realm. This will open opportunities for the areas cultural and artisanal assets to be developed and exposed to a wider visitor audience. This will also introduce opportunities for local tours, artisan workshops and demonstrations, as well as homestays and accommodation focused on women empowerment and job creation within the local community. A village cooperative can be set up in conjunction with the Municipality to manage the upgrading and future operations within the WHS as well as the neighbouring areas.

The proposal also links with the opportunities discussed within the Discovery Trail (project 8) which stretches across the island. This is considered to be an untouched resource which, when sensitively developed and well-managed, can become a significant added attraction to the Lamu tourism offer. Low impact, eco-friendly facilities have been proposed which will create greater access into the area whilst encouraging visitors to experience the natural coastal beauty in terms of landscape and views. To the north of the town the Wiyoni Bay inlet site clean-up is proposed to supplement the proposed trade and integrated transport development in the LIIUDP. The waterfront also serves as the gateway to Lamu town where docking of passenger and cargo boats, movement of goods, tourism and urban services have developed around maritime trade. With the growth of the town, the mixing of both cargo and passenger activity are straining and degrading the quality of the waterfront space.

To support the waterfront’s revitalisation, the separation of the incompatible passenger and cargo activities should be considered. Two dedicated cargo handling facilities have been identified at Wiyoni and Langoni. under the Lamu LIIUDP. The modalities of managing the cargo movement and its interaction with the more urban-centric character of the waterfront are elaborated in more detail under the bay rationalisation recommendations.

Waterfront Enhancement (Detail Study)

The eastern coast of Lamu Island is approximately 5 km long and it is the most urbanised area of the Island and the County. The landscape along this stretch of land features well-defined urban centres, jetties, and more natural areas. To the north is Wiyoni, a small settlement focussed on productive and naval activities. Immediately adjacent is Lamu Old Town (part of which is designated as a World Heritage Site), this is the oldest settlement on the island. Two kilometres further south, is Shela, a smaller village known mainly for its touristic vocation. Along the coast are some notable structures, namely the natural inlet of Wiyoni Bay, the County Assembly, Lamu Museum, the Old Fort set within the Old Town, the Masjid Al Wali Seif which formally marks the end of the Old Town. Lamu County Referral Hospital is located half-way between Lamu Old Town and Shela and it is set in a leafy part of the waterfront. Further beyond Shela Town, the Old Shela Fort is the most southernly manmade landmark marking the transition from eastern to southern coast. The above-mentioned urban areas are connected by the Corniche Path, a coastal route linking the whole eastern coast from Wiyoni to Shela, however only a portion of this is paved surface (approximately 2.5km). Typically, the Corniche Path is raised between 1 and 2 m above the mean sea level. The path varies in width (from 5 to 30m) and aesthetics, however most of the sections falling outside of the urbanised zones are just formed by basic compacted ground. The settlement’s urban morphology does not cater for vehicular circulation; hence the Corniche Path has become the most convenient route for users moving between the three main destinations. It is common to see donkeys, carts and boda bodas mixing with pedestrians. However, the path is discontinuous and is abruptly cut off at Langoni where users are forced to walk along the seashore or are diverted into an interior sandy path.

Issues

The Corniche Path is victim of its own success. A combination of attractive location, size, continuous footfall from tourists and locals, and the concentration of cafe, restaurants, bars, and other facilities and attractions draws all-day-long visitors who mix with traders typically busy unloading cargo from the jetties. The Corniche Path along the Old Town is also an active scene for nightlife when the local community comes out to enjoy and socialise in the space. As such, space constraints and congestion are the among the key issues.

From a climate change perspective, recent unusual high tides have submerged and flooded the Corniche Path, and flooding is only likely to increase in frequency with rising sea levels.

Finally, in consideration of additional exposure to more extreme weather, further quay walls and break waters are being built. These however follow a traditional technology approach (reinforced concrete structures) and of traditional wall profiles.