After months of push and pull, residents of Chasimba in Kilifi have welcomed the proposed Sh12 billion cement plant.
Mashujaa Cement PLC and Mashujaa Q&M (Quarry and Mining) PLC, that were established in 2020, have acquired land with sufficient limestone deposits in Chasimba. They want to set up quarry operations to support the proposed greenfield integrated plant.
Residents last week told the National Environmental Complaints Committee (NECC) sitting at Chasimba chief’s office they had not been given clear information on the pros and cons of the proposed plant.
Some opposed the project, saying the investors will take away their land.
On Thursday last week, they pointed an accusing finger at some academicians, part of whom had been selected into a task force appointed by the Chonyi Council of Elders to look into the proposed plant and come back with a detailed report.
The task force was formed in 2021 and was to hand over the report in six months.
However, contradicting information about the report emerged, revealing infighting among the task force members.
Council chairman Mwalimu Rasi said the team is yet to finalise the report, revealing that at some point it had been disbanded by secretary general Whitestone Mbura.
“Before the report could be finalised, politics came into play. It is not ready yet. We must wait for the report to come out clearly so we can debate on it,” he said.
Rasi said the Turkana community welcomed the oil project, Maasai welcomed the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the Digo community welcomed the Titanium project in Kwale and all benefited from the projects.
“We are not different. We don’t want to be left behind. I stand by that,” Rasi said.
However, Mbura contradicted the chairman, saying the report was finalised and several people, including authorities and himself, have it.
“I have the report. It is there. It allowed Mashujaa to go on with the project,” he said.
Mbura said the speculation that Mashujaa was taking away their land was not true, adding that residents sold their lands to the investor willingly.
“It was a case of willing buyer, willing seller,” he said.
Former Bahari MP Timothy Mtana, one of the 13-member task force, said it was infiltrated by people with political interests and scuttled their plans.
He said there must be clarity in how Mashujaa intends to set up the plant and how it will affect residents.
Mtana asked that the task force be given time to finish their report before giving their stand.
However, former Chasimba senior chief Eddah Mundu said the lives of their children depend on employment opportunities in the area, which are scarce.
“Let us look at government policies on development. The President always says we should welcome investors,” Mundu said.
Daniel Kiige, Mashujaa’s environmental consultant, said Mashujaa Cement has adhered to all statutory procedures at the county and national government levels, along with other government agencies.
He said they plan to establish three projects-the quarry and mining, integrated greenfield plant and a grinding plant in Mavoko, Machakos county.
“Mashujaa will provide a wide range of high quality cement in the market along with enhancing environmental performance by employing industry best practices in green cement production in support of the sustainable development goals as defined in the EIA applications and issues reports,” Mashujaa Cement said.
The company said they are committed to supporting the government towards improving the lives of local communities through employment and new opportunities for small and micro enterprises, who will provide auxiliary services at the local and national level.
Chasimba has high poverty levels.
“Such support services are needed from construction stage, quarry operations and plant operations that we believe will inject much-needed economic boost to the people of Kilifi, Machakos and the rest of the nation presently and for generations to come,” Mashujaa said.
NECC secretary Mary Njogu said they will consider all the concerns of the people and come up with a balanced report.
Nema's Kilifi county director of environment William Opiyo said the matter is still under review in Nema, which will issue its verdict upon consideration of all concerns raised.
“Some have written to Nema about this project, both those who oppose and those who support the project. We, as Nema, will come back and sit down with you in a public hearing,” he said.
Opiyo said after the public hearing they will sit down and make a decision whether to issue a licence for the project or not.
“At this time it is still too early,” he said.
Kilifi county director of environment Jimmy Yaa said a decision is yet to be made.
Njogu urged residents to submit further documents regarding the meetings they have had to help them make better informed decisions.
