Over 100 Shimo la Tewa Prison officers’ families are poised to benefit from a housing programme being implemented by the government in the area.
The National Assembly Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works observed that the project was 95 per cent complete.
The committee led by Johana Ng'eno (Emurua Dikiir) inspected the Shimo La Tewa Housing Project on Thursday.
Ng'eno noted that recommendations made by the committee a year ago had been implemented.
“The committee was here a year ago, it engaged the State Department for Housing for a solution and now we see a significant difference. The corrections have been done and we have affirmed that the taxpayers’ money has been put to good use,” Ng’eno said.
Ng'eno challenged Housing Charles Hinga to ensure due diligence in identifying contractors to undertake projects to enhance quality workmanship.
In response, Hinga urged the committee to consider empowering the regulators to enhance the execution of their mandate.
With regard to the housing project at Shimo La Tewa, he explained that the Covid-19 pandemic delayed completion of the project leading to the extension of the timelines.
The lawmakers further underscored the importance of carrying out public participation on projects with a huge impact on the Kenyan citizenry.
"Each part of the country needs a market and high masts. Students are facing accommodation challenges in universities and colleges with some parents spending more on hostels than school fees,” Ng'eno noted.
The Committee also stressed the need for the State Department to streamline its procurement process to ensure contractors receive payments on time and projects are completed as planned.
Deputy Officer in charge of Shimo La Tewa Prisons, Eric Ochieng informed legislators that the new houses will enable prison officers respond swiftly to emergencies as some will now reside from within the prison premises.
Ng’eno disclosed that the committee will also conduct inspection visits to other projects executed by the State Department that also kicked off in July 2016 and are yet to be completed.
They include Ruiru G.K Prison, Embakasi APTC Housing Project, Emali Senior Staff College Project and Garsen Police Station.
