The government has invited the public to share their views on a proposed 25-storey residential apartment tower in Westlands, Nairobi, expected to include 464 housing units, swimming pools, and other recreational facilities.
In a Gazette Notice on November 6, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) invited residents and other interested parties to submit comments on the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report within 30 days.
“PURSUANT to section 59 of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the above proposed project,” read part of the notice.
The development, proposed by Flourish Haven Limited, will be located along Ring Road Westlands on land identified as Nairobi/Block 4/238.
The project will comprise two basement levels, a ground floor and 25 upper floors, with apartments ranging from one-bedroom units to a penthouse.
According to the notice, the project will have 243 one-bedroom apartments, 154 two-bedroom units, 66 three-bedroom apartments and one penthouse.
It will also provide 284 parking spaces, along with children’s play areas, swimming pools, gardens, sitting areas, and other associated facilities.
Environmental Concerns Raised in the Project
The report lists several concerns that may arise during construction and after the apartments are completed, including air and noise pollution, traffic congestion, soil erosion and increased water use.
The concerns listed include soil erosion, loss of vegetation, air pollution, noise pollution, increased water consumption, waste generation, and traffic disruption; the report also identifies fire risks, insecurity, occupational health and safety concerns, and the project’s potential contribution to climate change.
To address these concerns, the developer has proposed several measures, including:
- Air pollution: Covering trucks transporting loose materials, sprinkling water on dusty surfaces and using clean fuels for construction equipment.
- Noise pollution: Install sound barriers, maintain construction equipment, and provide protective gear to workers exposed to high noise levels.
- Traffic management: Prepare a traffic management plan, employ traffic marshals, and schedule material deliveries during off-peak hours where possible.
- Fire safety: Install fire alarms with smoke sensors and provide fire extinguishers at the construction site.
- Water conservation: Install motion-sensing taps and toilets, harvest rainwater, and provide storage tanks.
- Waste management: Separate waste at the source and engage a NEMA-licensed waste handler.
- Security: Providing security guards, CCTV cameras, security lighting and other security equipment.
- Public health and safety: Training workers, providing protective equipment and ensuring the sewerage system meets approved standards.
The developer has also proposed establishing a grievance redress mechanism through which neighbouring residents can raise complaints during the project.
Also Read: Two New 26- and 30-Storey Towers Set to Transform Nairobi’s Skyline as Govt Asks Kenyans for Views
NEMA Explains How Kenyans Can Submit Their Views
NEMA has given members of the public 30 days from the publication of the November 6 Gazette Notice to submit their comments on the proposed development.
Residents and other interested parties can submit their views in writing or orally to the Director-General of NEMA.
The authority has also provided an email address, [email protected], for those who wish to send their comments electronically.
The full Environmental Impact Assessment report is available for inspection during working hours at NEMA headquarters along Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, Nairobi, and at the Nairobi City County Director of Environment’s office.
Interested members of the public can also download the report from the NEMA website.
All submissions should quote reference number NEMA/ENVIS/SR/00802.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel for in-depth interviews.
