Daniel Nyassy
13 April 2008
Nairobi — The construction of villas valued at Sh150 million on a cliff that is a Kenya Wildlife Service protected area has been stopped by the National Environment Tribunal.
Development of the project had earlier been suspended by the tribunal but had resumed after failure by local civil society groups to beat a deadline of three months to file their case with NET opposing the construction.
In the order dated March 20, the tribunal reinforced an earlier order to Blazer Watamu Limited, the company constructing six large controversial villas on the cliff on the sea's edge at Watamu.
The new order signed by J.K. Awuor says: "The earlier order issued to Blazer Watamu Limited (the developer) has not been lifted by the Tribunal and must be adhered to until the matter is determined."
The owners of the project resumed construction three weeks ago.
In its latest order, NET says: "The National Environment Tribunal has received an amended appeal on the project and is in the process of setting a mention date. You are, therefore, required to file your reply to the amended appeal within 14 days."
People with interests in the tourism industry and members of the civil society have opposed plans by the National Environment Management Authority to sanction the project, saying it would provoke an environmental disaster.
Some Watamu residents support the project, saying it will create employment and business activities for locals.
The project is owned by Blazer Watamu Limited whose representative is Walter Kondik.
Fully dealt with
Mr Kondik recently said that all environmental matters raised by the District Environmental Committee and other bodies had been fully dealt with.
The chairman of Kenya Marine Forum, Athman Seif, who is among members of the civil society opposed to the project, has petitioned NEMA not to approve it.
"The development of this project would not only cause major sewage pollution into the sea but also destroy the sea turtle nesting grounds," he said recently.
Mr Seif said the development would also destroy the cliff which was being used as a recreational site for holiday-makers and a boat rescue site for local fishermen.
But Mr Mwambire, who supports the project, said it would create jobs for local youth and market for suppliers, fishmongers and curio dealers and expand the Watamu village economy.
He also dismissed reports that the cliff was a recreational site for holiday-makers.
"In fact this is a drug den where users come and hide," he said adding that the area did not threaten the environment.
Mr Mwambire said owners of the project had pledged to assist local madrassa schools and mosques, youth groups and women's groups. He said they had already given Sh200,000.
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