Crackdown on unsafe, illegal constructions in Mombasa Underway
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Mombasa is set to launch an extensive crackdown on illegal and unsafe construction projects, addressing rising concerns over the use of substandard materials and inadequate workmanship that have put residents’ safety at risk.
The operation comes in the wake of a tragic incident in which a perimeter wall in KCC Miritini, Jomvu Constituency, collapsed, claiming the lives of eight people. The collapse occurred during a heavy downpour as mourners sought shelter by the wall at a funeral. Four victims died on the spot, while three others succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. Among the victims was a pregnant mother of twins. A six-month-old baby remains in critical condition at the Coast General Teaching & Referral Hospital, sparking outrage among local residents and authorities alike.
Paul Manyala, the Mombasa County Director of Lands and Urban Planning, addressed the situation, stating that preliminary investigations revealed the wall had been constructed with poor quality materials and substandard workmanship. He emphasized that such negligence was unacceptable and pledged immediate action to prevent further loss of life. “We will demolish the remaining sections of the wall to prevent additional danger and restore safety,” Manyala stated. He also issued a stern warning to builders and developers, stressing that they must adhere to local safety regulations and obtain proper approval from the County Authorities. Failure to comply, he added, would lead to demolitions at the developer’s own expense.
The incident has left the community in shock and mourning, particularly the families of the deceased, who are now grappling with grief and financial difficulties. Residents of the area have expressed their fears about the safety of other poorly constructed buildings, calling for immediate action to address the widespread issue. “This wall is a ticking time bomb. We cannot continue living in fear,” said one local resident, urging the county government to prioritize the demolition of unsafe structures.
The county government’s new initiative aims to inspect and regulate construction sites across Mombasa to ensure that all buildings are safe, structurally sound, and compliant with the necessary safety standards. “This operation is meant to safeguard the lives of Mombasa’s residents by enforcing strict building codes and holding developers accountable for their actions,” Manyala explained.
The tragic collapse has also highlighted the dire need for stronger enforcement of construction regulations in the region. The residents and families affected have called on the National Government to step in with compensation for the victims and to hold the company responsible for the substandard construction accountable. “We’ve lost our loved ones, and now we are left with burial expenses we can’t afford,” one family member said, urging authorities to ensure justice is served.
In response to the growing concerns, the Mombasa County government has promised to fast-track the process of demolishing unsafe structures and conducting rigorous inspections of ongoing projects. Manyala also reiterated that the new crackdown will involve greater coordination between various government agencies to address the root causes of unsafe construction, including corruption and lack of proper oversight.
The tragic event has shone a light on the broader issues of poor construction practices and the need for more rigorous enforcement of building codes in the area. The local government hopes that the crackdown will send a strong message to developers that non-compliance will not be tolerated, and that public safety must be the top priority in every construction project.
As investigations into the collapse continue, the community remains on edge, hoping that immediate actions will prevent further tragedies and hold those responsible accountable. The devastating loss of life has underscored the urgent need for stricter construction regulations and the implementation of better safety standards to protect residents from avoidable disasters.
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