MPs halt Sh2 billion Greenpark underpass over poor design, inaccessible features

A parliamentary committee has halted the commissioning of the Sh2 billion Greenpark pedestrian underpass in Nairobi, citing poor design, small elevators and lack of ramps for people with disabilities, despite the project nearing completion.

The National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure stated that the design does not meet the standards expected of a project of such magnitude and questioned whether taxpayers are getting value for money.

Members of the committee expressed concern that the elevators installed for people with disabilities were too small, noting that they could barely accommodate two wheelchairs at a time. They also criticised the absence of ramps, saying the project fails to comply with accessibility requirements set out in law.

The MPs further questioned the small size of spaces allocated for the 39 shops in the 176-metre-long underpass, terming the overall design substandard.

Committee chairperson and Ndia MP George Kariuki said the team was dissatisfied with the work done so far, especially given the huge public expenditure.

“We cannot fail to point out some gaps. For a project worth Sh2 billion, we expected a better design,” Kariuki said.

Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama voiced similar concerns, saying the elevators were substandard and that the project overlooked essential accessibility features for people with disabilities.

“There is no value for money here. While the law provides for a ramp for people with disabilities, this one doesn’t have one,” Arama said.

He warned that people using wheelchairs would be stranded if the elevators malfunctioned or there was no electricity to power them.

“It is a good project. However, what happens if the elevators fail or there is no electricity to power them? People with disabilities will be stranded,” he added.

The absence of a ramp and the small elevators that can barely fit two wheelchairs mean that in case of a power failure or elevator breakdown, persons with disabilities would be exposed to unnecessary risk.

The underpass, located at the busy intersection of Haile Selassie Avenue and Uhuru Highway, is expected to ease movement for more than 8,500 pedestrians who cross the junction during peak hours, part of over 21,000 daily users.

With the planned Nairobi Railway City Project, pedestrian traffic in the area is projected to rise further, reinforcing the need to separate non-motorised traffic from motorised vehicles to reduce accidents and congestion.

The project, undertaken by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and financed through the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund, was initially scheduled to be completed within 12 months ending March 13. However, the contract period was extended by 4.7 months to August 3, by which time at least 97 per cent of the work was expected to have been completed.

The Greenpark development includes four underpasses: a 106-metre tunnel across Haile Selassie Avenue on the Central Business District side, a curved underpass beneath Uhuru Highway on the Mombasa-bound side, a 29.6-metre passage across Haile Selassie Avenue on the Upper Hill side and a 40.4-metre tunnel across Uhuru Highway on the Westlands side.

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Responding to the committee’s concerns, Roads Principal Secretary Joseph Mbugua said the ministry would review the issues raised and ensure Kenyans receive full value for their money.

“We will look at the issues raised. We must ensure Kenyans can clearly see the value for their money. We will make sure there is a 24-hour police patrol base around the facility and a holding room for those who have ulterior motives,” he said.

According to the Ministry of Roads, pending works include interior finishes, electrical and mechanical installations, the setting up of a security surveillance system (CCTV), connection to utility services, landscaping and completion of elevator installations.

Officials say the Greenpark pedestrian underpass will have several benefits once completed, including reducing conflicts between vehicular and pedestrian traffic at the Greenpark Terminus and Haile Selassie roundabout, improving pedestrian safety, and cutting travel times.

The ministry added that the facility is expected to enhance transport efficiency and logistics in one of Nairobi’s busiest corridors.