Chaos in Buru Buru after city askaris demolish illegal structures – PHOTOS
Buru Buru residents woke up to the sight of bonfires and blocked roads as owners of illegally built structures rioted on Friday .
The structures were demolished in Buru Buru phase 3 by Nairobi City County government enforcement and sub county teams during a dawn operation.
Police had a hard time controlling traffic on Mumias road during the morning rush hour.
The Nairobi sub county administrator in charge of Buru Buru area Susan Onanga said they demolished the structures following complaints by residents.
“Buru Buru residents recently complained about these structures,” she said.
She added that the county government will continue demolishing illegal and haphazard structures, adding that Buru Buru estate will have wider roads, proper footpaths and some basic infrastructure.
Friday’s demolitions come after residents had threatened hold demonstrations if the county doesn’t bring back the estate to its old glory.
Located in the midst of the ever-growing Eastlands, Buru Buru gradually started going the way of most estates in the populous area, with haphazardly built extensions coming up every year. This also saw the once beautiful flower hedges replaced with concrete walls.
In the recent past, things have become increasingly bad, what with an upsurge of informal businesses, which have set up unsightly temporary structures on every available foot path near the main road, along routes within the estate and above drains.
“I have been living here since I was born and have seen how Buru Buru has transformed. The roads and thoroughfares are choked with illegal structures and there is no place to walk. However, now that Nairobi City County has pulled down most encroachments we will now be able to walk in peace and not live in fear of thugs. We have ample space to walk on,” said one Buruburu resident who did not want to be named.
