Balala cracks the whip, suspends construction of Hell’s Gate amusement park
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has suspended the controversial construction of the Hell’s Gate amusement park, following an uproar by environmentalists.
The CS has also directed the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) board to interdict three senior officers who approved the project.
“I today suspended the construction of Adventure Sports Park by Idyllic Mistley House in Hell’s Gate National Park and directed KWS to interdict three of its senior officers involved, pending investigations,” Balala said on Friday.
He cited reason for his decision as Idyllic Mistley House’s irregular commencement of the construction without meeting the project’s conditions.
‘SECRET CONSTRUCTION’
The company, which is reported to have started the construction in secrecy without getting approval from the National Management Environment Authority (Nema), has now been directed to vacate the site immediately.
The CS, who visited the site on Friday, said the firm contravened the requirements that the structures should be eco-friendly, have environmental mitigation plans, and be approved by KWS.
The construction was to be done at the old staff camp, and when complete it was expected to have a heated swimming pool, restaurant, tethered hang gliders and zip lining lines and a cable car from Long’onot to Hell’s Gate.
The park was also meant to have two massive towers built between the main wall to Fischer’s tower and Buttress.