Joho launches plan to put up 30,000 houses in old estates
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho (second right) with Lands Principal Secretary Mariamu El Maawy (centre), Lamu Governor Issa Timamy and Mombasa County Lands Executive Antony Njaramba (right) among other leaders during the launch of Mombasa Vision 2035 at the Mombasa Golf Club on April 9, 2016. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
Speaking at the launch of Vision 2035, Mr Joho told detractors not to sabotage the vision but offer constructive criticism.
He said he was confident he will retain his seat next year before taking a stab at the presidency in 2022.
- The urban renewal and redevelopment of the former Mombasa Municipal Council’s housing estates has met stiff opposition.
Mombasa Governor Hassan Ali Joho on Saturday launched an ambitious development plan that will see 30,000 new houses built in the town by 2035.
Under Vision 2035, Mr Joho plans to replace old houses in 10 housing estates — Khadija, Miritini, Changamwe, Tudor, Mzizima, Buxton, Likoni, Nyerere, Tom Mboya and Kaa Chonjo — with new ones in partnership with private developers.
The county government is already receiving bids for the project.
Speaking at the launch of Vision 2035, Mr Joho told detractors not to sabotage the vision but offer constructive criticism.
Flanked by his Lamu counterpart Issa Timamy, he said Vision 2035 would be a game changer to modernise the port city to the levels of Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai.
He said he was confident he will retain his seat next year before taking a stab at the presidency in 2022.
“I know I will win the second term and the journey to transform Mombasa has begun in earnest,” he said, adding he was ready for opinions and criticism from the business community, leaders, professionals and residents.
However, the urban renewal and redevelopment of the former Mombasa Municipal Council’s housing estates has met stiff opposition from some leaders and occupants.
Wiper Democratic Movement leaders Senator Hassan Omar and Nyali MP Hezron Bolo Awiti have questioned the legality of the project.
The row over the proposed Sh200 billion housing project escalated after Mr Awiti declared he would move to court to challenge its endorsement by the county assembly.
“Members of the County Assembly have been used as a rubber stamp to endorse the governor’s plan without giving it much thought and involving the residents,” he said.
Apart from the two leaders, the project has also attracted opposition from a businessman, Mr Suleiman Shahbal, who recently joined hands with Khadjia Estate residents fearing displacement.
Saturday, however, Governor Joho assured occupants they would be given first priority after the reconstruction.
“We have partnered with reputable civil society groups like Kituo cha Sheria, Juhudi and Linda Africa in a legal framework that protects residents’ interests,” he added.
