Government identifies buildings for demolitions in Kisii

Buildings along Fort Jesus, Daraja Mbili-Junction, Daraja Moja and Gesonso are targeted for demolition. [Photo, Standard]

Several structures are set to be demolished in Kisii town once a Government multi-agency team concludes its findings this month.

The demolitions are aimed at saving the shrinking River Nyakomisaro that flows down Kisii town, taking back grabbed public land and preserving riparian land.

The task force includes officials from the National Youth Service, National Construction Authority, National Environmental Management Authority, National Building Inspectorate, Kenya Police Service, National Land Commission and County Physical Planning department.

The county government has been fighting to reclaim some of the parcels where private developers have put up structures, thus interfering with natural resources, by discharging raw sewage to the rivers.

Last week, Water Resource Authority moved in and identified the structures to be demolished as a warning of what is likely to happen in the coming days.

Shrinking land

According to Water and Environment Executive Skitter Ocharo, the notice issued early this year to the affected private developers had expired.

“We have had issues with the shrinking land in Kisii but this should never be an excuse to interfere with natural resources and the environment. It is unfortunate that people living downstream are using contaminated water thus exposing themselves to risks of water-borne diseases,” said Dr Ocharo.

Ocharo explained that after the demolitions, the county government in collaboration with other State agencies would embark on planting trees on riparian land.

Planting trees

“We have established a working formula and a time-frame to achieve all our objectives, all we need is support from locals,” he said.

Buildings along Fort Jesus, Daraja Mbili-Junction, Daraja Moja and Gesonso are targeted for demolition.

A spot check by The Standard has revealed that several buildings sit right on the river bed contrary to environmental laws that set a distance of 30m between riparian land and human activities.