National Buildings inspectorate chairperson Moses Nyakiongora has said the second phase of demolition of buildings on riparian land in Kisii is set to begin in two weeks’ time.
This comes even after a task force that was carrying out the exercise two weeks ago demolished 11 permanent buildings, 6 car wash businesses, a bridge and 678 small structures that were built along river Nyakomisaro.
National Environment Management Authority, Kisii County, national security, National Youth Service, the National Disaster Management Unit, the Water Resources Management Authority and the National Building and Construction Inspectorate composed of the taskforce.
However, locals have since criticized the task force saying the exercise only targeted the poor as the rich were spared.
Nyakiongora clarified that the exercise is set to resume in two weeks’ time now targeting those buildings that were ‘spared’ and all those structures that have been reconstructed will be brought down and the owners arrested.
The demolition will be extended to those buildings constructed along river Gucha which drains into Lake Victoria. In Ogembo town the agency will target on buildings that do not meet the recommended quality and structural safety standards.
The second phase will include bringing down of three major buildings in the town at Omoremi and two at Daraja Mbili which the owners have refused to move despite being served with notices according to Mr. Nyakiongora.
At least ten hotels are located along river Nyakomisaro and the owners are accused of releasing raw sewer into the river.
By Jane Naitore and Chrispine Otieno
