Senator defends housing project after hundreds left homeless in Changamwe
Changamwe is among the estates set to host the affordable houses, following Buxton, where construction is ongoing, and Likoni.
Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi has called out opponents of affordable housing projects in the coastal region following last week's demolition of houses in Changamwe Sub-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.
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Abdillahi acknowledged that police officers' treatment of the residents was inhumane. She said, however, that some leaders were politicising the project and that residents should capitalise on it as it will improve their lives.
“I have seen leaders from the opposition venting [and asking] why the houses were demolished during their recent visit to Mombasa. Let it be known that President William Ruto had nothing to do with the demolition," Abdillahi said.
"The affordable housing project was under the leadership of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and was locally acknowledged by former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho. A notice was given to the tenants in 2019 so this is not something that was just decided and implemented."
The senator was referring to remarks by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga who last week toured the county on a recruitment drive for this party. Odinga criticised President Ruto, saying he was using public funds to advance the initiative, an action that he said was a violation of the Constitution.
Criticism also came from Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohamed, who said the demolitions were illegal.
President Ruto has repeatedly defended the project, saying it will create thousands of jobs, besides enabling people to afford decent houses. However, its fate hangs in the balance as the Court of Appeal has ordered the government to halt housing levy deductions until cases filed against the programme are heard and determined.
Earlier, Molo MP Kimani Kuria said the government might consider lowering the levy deposit from the current 10 per cent to accommodate more middle and lower-income earners.
Senator Abdullahi further urged Mombasa residents to embrace it before it is too late.
“We will not allow the interests of [politicians] to drag us behind in terms of development. Mombasa's people will not be among those visiting other cities and taking selfies around newly constructed houses," she said.
She added, “We have seen the Buxton affordable housing project being politicised. We received a petition from the Senate and wrote a report but the issue is that some laws limit us. This is why my colleagues and I, after the recess, will raise a standing order that will see a special committee formed to look into the implementation of reports. Going forward it will help resolve issues."
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