Businessman and politician Suleiman Shahbal has once again defended the controversial Buxton Point affordable housing project, saying it has revamped Mombasa.
He said on Saturday more than 60 of former Buxton estate tenants bought units in the project, while the others could not because of the absence of the tenant purchase scheme (TPS).
“From the onset, we recognised the tenant purchase scheme is key and must be incorporated so that instead of paying just rent, money goes towards paying debts owed for that house, which eventually becomes yours,” Shahbal said.
In a short video posted on his social media handles, the East Africa Legislative Assembly member said they have been fighting for the scheme to be put in place."
He said since the beginning of the Buxton project, he consistently followed up with the national government on introducing a tenant purchase scheme for former Buxton tenants.
“I’ve never relented and I’m hopeful that this dream will soon become a reality. We remain committed to ensuring no one is left behind,” Shahbal said.
Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi, who was an employee of GulfCap Real Estate when the project started, has been trying to secure the scheme for the former tenants.
Her efforts were rewarded when Housing PS Charles Hinga incorporated the scheme for the former tenants to purchase units in phase two of the project.
Lands CS Alice Wahome on April 25 wrote to the Buxton Tenants Welfare Association assuring them they will be allocated 336 units in the second phase of the Buxton Point affordable housing project.
The tenants also welcomed the tenant purchase scheme set to be introduced for the 180 tenants in phase one after a long push and pull between them and the developer, Shahbal said.
Phase two of the Buxton Point project started in February this year and 85 per cent of the 1,500 units have been sold.
Shahbal said with the TPS in place, housing will become more affordable for Mombasa residents, including those who lived in the old Buxton estate and those who did not.
This, he said, is part of the efforts he is making to ensure Mombasa grows economically, socially and politically.
The development of Mombasa cannot be achieved by depending on the national government alone, Shahbal said.
“We, as Mombasa people, must work hard to bring projects and investors in Mombasa so we can change our city ourselves,” he said.
He is satisfied with the Buxton Point project, which he worked hard to bring to Mombasa.
“You will agree with me that this project has changed the face of Mombasa. I thank God we have done our part. We have constructed beautiful houses that are affordable,” Shahbal said.
He said the only challenge is that the houses cannot be given out free of charge, they must be paid for.
And that challenge has been addressed by the government through the TPS.
