Owner of 12 storey city apartment built next to dam given 14 days to bring it down – PHOTOS
A 12-storey residential building in Nairobi’s in Nyayo Highrise estate is the next target in the ongoing demolition of buildings built on riparian land.
The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) and Water Resources Management Authorities (WARMA) on Friday gave the developer of the residential property a 14 days’ demolition notice.
The building, which is owned by Edermann Property, is said to have been built and sits on Nairobi Dam’s riparian reserve.
The developer has also been ordered to restore the reserve within 90 days on grounds it is affecting the flow of Ngong River.
“Based upon the findings within your facility, you are required to undertake the following: Within 14 days (from the date of this order) demolish the permanent structure failure to which it will be pulled down without further reference to you,” Nema’s order reads in part.
WARMA has similarly ordered the property owner to demolish the structure within 14 days effective on the date of the order dated October 10, 2018.
Edermann management has also been ordered to report to the Nema deputy director of enforcement on Monday, October 15, with a legal adviser.
BROUGHT DOWN
The owner of the property Mr John Rajwayi was also ordered by Nema to report to their offices on Monday October 15 with his legal adviser to the deputy enforcement officer.
Nema has held that the building was put up in contravention of Cap 387 of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act (EMCA).
The 12-storey 3 blocks building comprises of 288 housing units which weer launched by the late Housing Minister Soita Shitanda in 2013.
The late Minister toured and cut the ribbon during Edermann’s takeover of the project after two contractors could not proceed with the construction works.
According to the owners, construction began in February 2012 and was completed on March 2014 and covers an area of 31,000 square meters with a total investment of Sh950 million. .
At least half of the buildings built on riparian land have been brought down since demolition began in Nairobi in August.