The Nairobi County Assembly Planning Committee has raised concerns over the stalled Jevanjee Housing Project in Ngara after a site visit revealed that construction work had ground to a halt.
The committee, led by its chairman, Geoffrey Majiwa, expressed concern over the plight of investors who are still waiting for the project to be completed.
Majiwa assured the investors that the committee would pursue the matter with the developer and the county government to establish a clear timeline for completion.
“We understand you. What we are going to do as a committee is follow up on the contract agreement and we are going to ensure that we have a meeting with the contractor. They may not be available for you, but I am sure we will get them, sit down with them and agree on when this project will be completed so that you can get your own units,” he said.
The committee chairman, however, urged investors to prepare to settle any outstanding balances, noting that the developer had reportedly raised concerns over incomplete payments by some purchasers.
“The only thing is, which I heard from the contractor is that, although they have not told us directly, is that most of you have not paid the entire amount. That is a story on their side. So, as we push them, we also ask you to be ready with your balances so that we do not get into a situation where they say they have completed their part, but the buyers have not paid what is owed to them. We do not want a stalemate that could further delay completion,” Majiwa added.
The committee also observed that part of the project site had been converted into a concrete production facility, raising questions about whether the site was being utilised in accordance with the terms of the contract.
Site manager Makase Manono said the project had encountered challenges arising from an escalation in contract costs, making it difficult for the developer to execute the project as planned.
“I cannot speak for thecontractor, but what I know is that the developer is facing challenges arising from the escalation of costs under the contract. It would be prudent for the matter to be resolved between the developer and the contractor. We have been on the ground since day one of the project, and I must say that, as the site team, I am ready to do my part,” Manono said.
Pangani Housing Project Also Incomplete
The committee also inspected the Pangani Urban Renewal Project, where it established that the development remained incomplete despite substantial progress.
The contractor has reportedly completed approximately 80 per cent of the project, with completion targeted for next year.
Following the site visits, the committee is expected to retreat and consolidate its findings before preparing a final report on the inquiry into the two housing projects.
