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The Committee on Housing, Urban Planning, and Public Works, accompanied by the State Department for Housing and Urban Planning, conducted an inspection of the Shimo La Tewa Housing Project in Mombasa. This initiative is part of the government’s institutional housing program aimed at providing better living conditions for prison officers.
Led by Chairperson Hon. Johana Ng’eno, the Committee noted that the project is 95% complete. This inspection was a follow-up to determine the implementation of recommendations made by the Committee a year ago and to assess the progress of the project.
The inspection team included officials from the State Department for Housing and Urban Planning, led by Principal Secretary Charles Hinga. Hon. Ng’eno emphasized the importance of due diligence in selecting contractors for the State Department’s projects. He urged PS Hinga to exclude contractors responsible for collapsed buildings or stalled projects.
In response, PS Hinga highlighted the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused delays and necessitated an extension of the project’s timeline. He also called on the Committee to empower regulators to enhance their mandate execution.
Hon. Ng’eno underscored the need for public participation in significant projects, stressing the importance of addressing accommodation challenges faced by students in universities and colleges. He noted that parents often spend more on hostels than on school fees.
The Committee urged the State Department to streamline its procurement processes to ensure timely payments to contractors, facilitating the proper and timely completion of projects. Members also emphasized the responsibility of project managers in relation to indemnity.
The Shimo La Tewa Housing Project, nearing completion, represents a crucial step in improving the living conditions for prison officers, demonstrating the government’s commitment to enhancing public service infrastructure.
