Markets top traders wish list
Build markets and modern stalls for traders, that was the message that residents sent to the county Government as it sought their views on a development guide.
Those who attended the county’s master plan public meeting insisted that the facilities would improve the ease of doing business. They termed it to a cure to most of their economic challenges.
Following closely in the residents’ wish list was the improvement of roads as well as an overhaul of sewerage and water supply systems.
Only 35 per cent of the county was covered by an adequate sewerage network, they pointed out.
“The sewerage was built for low-lying houses. Now all we have are flats. The system simply can’t cope,” said Francis Kilonzo, a resident of Umoja estate.
Some residents were categorical that all businesses on road reserves ought to be removed to ease movement.
“It would be better if we were to build markets where the traders would be moved. Otherwise that would just leave thousands of hungry families,” said Alice Wanjira.
However, given past disappointments, there was scepticism over the county’s ability to implement the master plan. They cited the example of the road bypasses currently under-construction which are part of the 1973 Nairobi Strategic Plan that has taken 41 years to implement for lack of money.
The new master plan is expected to be approved by the County Assembly and will be used in budgeting.
It will come up with short, medium and long-term projects to be financed through budgetary allocations.
The document will only provide an oversight to avoid past cases where power, water, sewerage, ICT cables have been done separately without a coordinating plan resulting in chaotic developments.
According to deputy director of City Planning David Gatimu, they are also looking at making sure that infrastructure audits are done every two years to gauge the needs of every area and also adjust the projects appropriately.
The planners are also considering the development of at least four economic centres around the county to ease the pressure on the CBD.