The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has closed a controversial construction site on Likoni Lane.
The Authority, in a notice issued on Wednesday, January 22, said the site, belonging to a Chinese company, has been closed until further notice.
The site in question is part of a proposed construction of a 17-floor residential building hosting two to four-bedroom houses in the Kilimani area of the capital.
“The Director General of NEMA has today directed the closure of the said site with immediate effect until further notice,” reads part of the notice.
Alleged night activities at the construction site in Kilimani on Likoni Lane off Denis Pritt Road, Nairobi, May 2024.
Photo
Courtesy
The site was the subject of controversy early last year, with residents accusing the company of carrying out construction works at odd hours.
Residents also alleged that the company was building on riparian land, a claim the company denied.
In tweets and posts online, residents shared videos of walls collapsing due to the impact of the demolitions at the site.
”No protective measures for the neighbouring properties as required by law, in their rush to begin construction with their corruptly acquired permits,” read one post from January 28, 2024.
The Nairobi Professional and Residents Group organised protests against illegal building approvals and forceful evictions in Nairobi in May.
The residents filed a petition against the construction, stating: ”We have been prompted to take action to put a stop to marauding rogue developers and corrupt public officials who have turned planning and development into their illegal cash cow, causing the loss of lives, homes, livelihoods, physical and mental health, devaluation of property values, and untold damage to the environment.”
As a result, Governor Johnson Sakaja ordered that all building development approvals be stopped pending a fresh review.
”All building development approvals have been halted for now until we can review all those that have been issued and are continuing in the city,” he said.
However, residents continued to complain that the site progressed unabated. But now there is a reprieve for the residents, with the site shut down.
NEMA said it will be conducting investigations into the site. ”Meanwhile, the Authority will undertake an immediate assessment of the said site for appropriate corrective action to protect our environment and public health,” NEMA said.
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