Residents of Chaani in Changamwe Sub-County have welcomed Focus Container Freight Station’s proposed construction of a 15,000 metric ton common-user liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) terminal.
The company faced a setback in 2019 when its proposal to construct a 30,000 metric tons LPG facility was rejected after residents went to court to block it over safety issues.
But now, it has been able to seek an alternative site to put up the LPG plant 208 meters away from residential areas adjacent to the Port of Mombasa.
“The distance from our tanks to the nearest human settlement is approximately 208 meters,” said the Company Chairman Faisal Abbas during a public participation forum at the proposed project site.
The public participation was witnessed by national government administration officers led by County Commissioner, NEMA and County Government officials.
Abbas explained that they have reduced the capacity from the initial 30,000 MT to 15,000 MT and assured the residents that there will be no evictions or displacements.
The company plans to establish an adequate firefighting system and emergency response operation mechanisms.
Residents were advised to resist saboteurs of the investment who may want to derail the project from kicking off because of their egocentric needs.
“Youths will get jobs; we will give priority to the Changamwe people. We are ready to work with the residents,” said Abbas.
Area residents pointed out that the project will have a ripple effect on the economy of their ward and accepted it without reservations as their safety is guaranteed.
They urged the company to give them tenders, conduct medical camps and build social amenities as part of corporate social responsibility.
The residents’ call for 16 meters square of land to be bequeathed to the community was accepted by the company as it will serve as a pathway for workers.
Haki Yetu Kenya Organization Organizing Secretary Michael Nato said they are satisfied as the company has fulfilled their recommendations.
To buttress his point, Nato stated that the project will create employment opportunities for skilled and non-skilled workers from the construction to its completion.
On his part, Patrick Kimonde said the company should not leave behind local youths who are idle and are at risk of engaging in theft and drug abuse.
Another resident, Ibrahim Rasi said they have been sensitized unlike in the previous project that faced hurdles. He hailed the company for changing the project’s location.
Karisa Safari, a Youth Leader said they haven’t seen any health effects from the existing oil terminals located in their neighborhoods.
County Commissioner Mohamed Nur noted that all projects must undergo public participation as enshrined in the constitution for the public to know their implications.
“We want a project that will benefit the locals. We want the locals to get priority in employment unless it is for professionals,” said Nur.
Project consultant Boniface Osoro disclosed that the project will have six tanks of 2500 MT designed to international standards.
The facility will have fire splinters, boreholes and gas detectors linked with shuttle valves.
The consultant said the project is poised to increase government revenue and create employment and secondary businesses are likely to spring up during the operational phase especially those providing food and beverages to the workers.
By Sadik Hassan
