Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has affirmed that no apartments will be constructed in Runda, as the single-dwelling housing rule is part of the development control.
Speaking at the PCEA Evergreen Parish in Westlands Constituency on May 3, the governor assured the residents of Runda that no changes would be made to their current housing plans.
“Here in Runda, I know there are concerns. I want to assure you that this community will stay as it is, and that your issues with single dwellings will be addressed. Hakuna apartment itajengwa Runda, it will remain as it is as a single unit dwelling because of development control,” Sakaja affirmed.
In addition, the governor explained that the Nairobi county government, in coordination with the Runda MCA, would handle the proposed construction of an estate in the floodplain area.
Further, he urged politicians to maintain peace and not intensify political tensions as the country works to implement measures to address the flood and the disaster that accompanies the heavy rains.
Also Read: Exposed: How Sakajas Govt is Killing Businesses with Parking Fees
Sakaja on Nairobi County Flood Mitigation Measures
The governor added that Nairobi County is intensifying its crackdown on illegal developments in regions that are located between water bodies and the land.
According to Sakaja, reclamation and demolition of illegally constructed structures on the riparian lands are underway across several areas in the county.
He emphasized that the reclamation works in the affected area will not exempt anyone, stating that the operations were already extending to Kirichwa Kubwa in Kilimani, among other regions.
Identification of lands in need of reclamation is ongoing, with the county government under Sakaja actively demolishing illegal structures.
“The work to reclaim riparian land is ongoing at high speed. We are recovering many areas, and as the rains continue, more structures built on riparian land are being identified and removed. This exercise is ongoing, and no one is being exempted,” Johnson emphasized.
Additionally, he noted that the intervention by the Nairobi county government is receiving national backing to ensure that the flooding challenges are solved.
To underscore the seriousness of the measures the address flooding, Sakaja said a section of the State House perimeter wall will also be demolished to restore the water level, as an example of government support for Nairobi County.
Illegal construction on waterways and poor planning in the country are among the major reasons for the increased flooding situation in Nairobi, according to the governor.
Also Read: Sakaja Reshuffles Nairobi County Chief Officers in Govt Reorganization
Flood Effects
Despite major flood cases being reported in Nairobi County, the governor argued that serious flooding challenges were being experienced across the country, including the Tana River.
The Nairobi county governor insisted that, as much as the government is taking measures, it is the responsibility of everyone, including the public, to take responsibility.
He noted that people should not build barriers the block waterways and then complain when a flood crisis hits the areas.
Further, he said that planning officials who approved developments on riparian reserves and flood-prone areas are currently being held accountable.
The governor has urged residents living in high-risk areas to relocate to ease the ongoing effort to improve drainage systems and sewer infrastructure.
Further, the governor has warned politicians against politicizing ongoing development projects, including the construction of the modern Gikomba Market, and has called for peaceful politics that promote unity.
