Once a thriving centre, Mikindani became neglected during the 1950's when the administration and business emphasis moved to the deep water port of Mwtara, 12 miles to the South.
The historic buildings of Mikindani fell into disrepair, until ten
years ago when Trade Aid had the vision of returning them to their
former glory thus creating a major attraction for visitors and an
enormous training and employment opportunity.
Today, Trade Aid helps with conservation, restoration and maintenance.
Working closely with the Department of Antiquities at the Ministry
of Natural Resources and Tourism, significant buildings are identified
and surveyed. Trade Aid oversees restoration work, provides technical
advice and training in conservation as well as researching potential
re-usage of the restored buildings.
In 1996, the Old Boma, Mikindani, was a derelict ruin. With Trade Aid help, it has been renovated and brought back into use and is now a high quality, small hotel. This has produced a stream of visitors to Mikindani, created 35 full time jobs and is an important training ground for a wide variety of jobs associated with the Hotel industry. Its presence has also provided income for local fishermen, farmers and other traders.
Trade Aid is currently working on Livingstone House, The Governor’s House and the Old Slave Market and has other buildings identified for restoration projects that will be started as and when resources become available. All are built of crushed coral with limed walls – an interesting restoration challenge.
Trade Aid is working with the Department of Antiquities to investigate the possibility of getting Mikindani designated as a Conservation Area.
