Changamwe evictions spark debate at affordable housing forum

The residents of Changamwe expressed distress over the recent demolitions carried out by the government during today's public participation on the Affordable Housing Bill in Mombasa led by Emurua Dikkir MP Johana Ng'eno. They stressed the importance of engaging with the communities affected by development plans to ensure their concerns are taken into account before evictions.

Responding to their concerns, Chairperson of the Joint Committee, MP Ng’eno, assured Changamwe residents that their voices would be heard. He said, “This committee is mandated to oversee the government and relevant ministries, and we will ensure that those displaced for affordable housing projects are prioritized to occupy the new units once completed.”

The Committee, which has this week been in the coast region, concluded its public hearings today in Mombasa, where the final session took place at Ronald Ngala Primary School Social Hall in Mombasa County.

Changamwe is among the estates set to host the affordable houses, following Buxton, where construction is ongoing, and Likoni. The demolitions there on January 26, 2024, of houses constructed by the National Housing Corporation, left more than 1,000 families homeless.

Simultaneously, individuals with disabilities raised concerns about being marginalized in the distribution of job opportunities and urged for an inclusive approach. They stressed the importance of creating accessible housing for people with disabilities.

The participants highlighted the necessity for a just and inclusive contribution to the 1.5 per cent housing levy, suggesting that not only formally employed individuals but also those in the informal sector should participate. This collective support would aid in constructing affordable housing. Moreover, locals underscored the importance of awarding construction site job opportunities to artisans within the county, aiming for community-wide benefits.

They expressed hope that the outcomes of public participation across all 19 counties would lay a promising foundation for the future of the affordable housing program.

While in Lamu County on Friday, the joint committee collecting views on the Affordable Housing Bill, 2023, committed to passing legislation to protect the Affordable Housing Program. The information was disclosed by the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning Kuria Kimani during meetings with Lamu County citizens in Lamu Social Hall in Lamu West Constituency and Faza Island in Lamu East Constituency.