The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
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Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
Rescue operations going on at the at scene of the 7storey building that collapsed in Nairobi's Eastland's Huruma estate last Friday evening. Several occupants of the building died and others rushed to various hospitals in Nairobi. May 4th,2016. Photo/Elvis Ogina (Nairobi)
Three buildings worth more than Sh1 billion in Nairobi County are to be demolished, the county assembly has resolved.
The House on Tuesday evening directed that the buildings be demolished, citing safety concerns to save hundreds of lives likely to be lost if action is not taken.
The MCAs heard the buildings in Langata, Westlands and Gigiri are constructed in wetlands and are of poor construction standards.
They approved a report by the County Planning and Housing Committee that recommended the demolition of a five-storey building at Mbagathi Road-Langata Road roundabout, four-storey building in Westlands and another in Gigiri, Karura ward.
However, a spot check by The Standard showed construction is still ongoing at the Sh1 billion complex adjacent to the T-mall on Mbagathi Road, despite similar orders of demolition having been issued last year.
"In the interest that the environment which the development threatens to adulterate, the building on plot LR No.209/1227 be forthwith pulled down by the concerned county government agencies which is provided for by the Constitution," read the report.
The building, which has been put up on a river channel, prevents the flow of the Mutuini-Ngong River, causing flooding when it rains in parts of Mbagathi and Nairobi West.
The report by the Maxwell Ochar-led committee further indicated that the building already has cracks and pools of water on the lower floors that cannot be drained, making it a hazard.
According to the Environment Management and Co-ordination Act, a developer is supposed to adhere to a 15m river riparian land reserve when putting up any construction.
More than 200 buildings in the city have also been condemned and due for demolition.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
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