Scrap metal dealers flock Huruma estate

 

Youths at a site where two houses were demolished in Huruma estate. City scrap metal dealers have invaded the sites of demolished buildings in Huruma estate. (PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE/ STANDARD)

City scrap metal dealers have invaded the sites of demolished buildings in Huruma estate.

The dealers have camped in the sites with all manner of tools to cut through metal and break blocks. And to save on time and deal with competition, some have taken their machinery to the sites.

This way they can choose the best material from the group of youths scavenging the debris.

“This business has very high competition. If you do not find a way to beat it, some of the best goods will go to your competition,” said a dealer who sought anonymity.

He insisted that he was not stealing, saying: “The owner already thinks he has lost everything but we know there are still a lot of valuables still stuck in the rubble.”

As the youth scavenged at another seven-storey building brought down on Monday by the National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU), a white truck and a weighing machine were  waiting on the other side.

Everything was done in a very orderly manner despite the youth not coming from the same area. As others sorted out different types of steel, iron and wood material, another group was warding off people, including the media, who were not welcome.

Avoid fights

Vincent Kemoli, a youth leader from the area, said it would be disastrous trying to keep the youth off as they would show up even at night to get whatever they wanted.

Mr Kemoli has divided the youth into groups to avoid fights and ensure that everyone gets their fair share. “It is a risky business and accidents can happen, but so far nothing tragic,” he said.

The dealer buys a kilogramme of scrap metal at Sh20. “It is not much but on the bright side, they get them for free so no one complains,” he said.

So far, only a handful of unsafe buildings have been demolished, with some residents still adamant they would not move out.

“The Government cannot tell me when to move out. It was not there when I moved in. Let the caterpillar come as it is me who will bear the loss,” said Charles Mwangangi.

He argued that the area landlords had hiked rent so much that even a one-roomed semi-permanent house now costs Sh3,500, just like a permanent one. Some landlords have already obtained court orders to rescue their property.