The Grand Mosque, one of the attractions of the 500-year-old
Jumba Ruins in Mtwapa, is cracking and chips of its foundation have been washed
away.
The destruction of the mosque has been attributed to strong
tidal waves and the effects of global warming on the Indian Ocean.
Archaeologists say the mosque was built in the 1500s.
The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) has warned that strong
tidal waves, caused by global warming, have put iconic and historical sites
across the coastline at risk.
The waves and sea water have eroded the mosque's foundation.
"This historical site is being destroyed, thanks to mother
nature. Remedial measures must be taken to save the ruins from total
destruction," the Jumba Ruins curator, Hashim Hinzano Mudzomba, said.
He added that the site was once popular among local and
foreign tourists. However, the number of visitors has fallen.
Among the measures that can be taken to protect the site, he
said, are the construction of a sea wall along the shore near the Jumba Ruins.
Dr Purity Kiura, who is in charge of the Directorate of
Antiquities, Sites and Monuments, said heritage sites and landmarks such as
Fort Jesus in Mombasa, the Vasco Da Gama Pillar (Malindi), and the Old British
Customs House (Vanga) are also at risk because of erosion along the coastline.
"Historical and cultural sites, enlisted by UESCO for
their outstanding universal value, now face an uncertain future due to rising
sea levels," she said.
Source: The Standard Media
The destruction of the
mosque has been attributed to strong tidal waves and the effects of
global warming on the Indian Ocean.
Archaeologists say the mosque was built in the 1500s.
The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) has warned that strong tidal waves,
caused by global warming, have put iconic and historical sites across
the coastline at risk.
The waves and sea water have eroded the mosque's foundation.
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time
"This historical site is being destroyed, thanks to Mother Nature.
Remedial measures must be taken to save the ruins from total
destruction," the Jumba Ruins curator, Hashim Hinzano Mudzomba, said.
He added that the site was once popular among local and foreign
tourists. However, the number of visitors has fallen.
Among the measures that can be taken to protect the site, he said, are
the construction of a sea wall along the shore near the Jumba Ruins.
Dr Purity Kiura, who is in charge of the Directorate of Antiquities,
Sites and Monuments, said heritage sites and landmarks such as Fort
Jesus in Mombasa, the Vasco Da Gama Pillar (Malindi), and the Old
British Customs House (Vanga) are also at risk because of erosion along
the coastline.
"Historical and cultural sites, enlisted by Unesco for their outstanding
universal value, now face an uncertain future due to rising sea
levels," she said.
Read more at:
https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001247416/ancient-kilifi-mosque-at-risk-as-sea-waves-erode-the-coastline