An environmentalist has asked the government to establish a task force to audit buildings constructed on riparian land.
Some owners may not be aware of this and some certificates may have been issued fraudulently, said Kenya Water Towers Agency chairman Isaac Kalua.
“The task force will also work on demolition and compensation in the event that owners were not informed, and regulations were not followed," Kalua said.
Noting the demolition could be derailed, he said: “We must be decisive, draw a line and say enough is enough and we must do what we need to do, otherwise we will lose more lives."
"There is need for a proper audit, which should be carried by the County Government of Nairobi. This also applies across the country."
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The environmentalist said riparian spaces must be respected and trees planted to prevent the loss of soils.
Citing two building opposite T-Mall in Nairobi West, whose approval he questioned, Kalua
said structures mess up water flow and could result in tragedies such as the Huruma collapse.
He said WRMA, the Lands ministry, constructors and building owners
should work towards a common approval process so as not to derail progress in development.
Kalua noted that
Survey Act,
Nema's Environmental Management and Coordination Act and regulations by
Water Resource Management Authority are clear on spacing issues.
He told the Star on phone on Tuesday that those found culpable when tragedies occur must be punished.