President William Ruto who is on a working tour of the Western region will today preside over the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of an affordable housing project in Vihiga.
The project is the fourth at the constituency level to be launched after that of Gichugu in Kirinyaga, Lurambi in Kakamega and Bahati in Nakuru.
An estimated 3, 000 jobs are set to be created as a result.
At least 220 housing units will be constructed on the two-acre piece of land owned by the national government at Milimani estate.
The land currently has a civil servant pool housing units and has room for future expansion.
The tender for the construction of the project has been awarded to Padaa Enterprises at a cost of Sh536 million and is set for completion in April 2025.
It will comprise nine blocks of apartments made up of 60 studio units, 20 one-bedroom units, 100 two-bedroom units and 40 three-bedroom units.
The development will also include spaces for public use such as a social hall, play areas, a commercial area, a tree nursery and greenery.
“The developer has also been tasked to improve and expand the sewerage system and the water infrastructure to cater for the tenants who will purchase the housing units,” a statement from the Ministry reads.
The government is also set to ring-fence Sh26 million for the supply of doors and windows by the local jua kali artisans.
Mobilisation of additional members is ongoing, with the neighboring Sabatia constituency woodwork and welders groups eager to support when needed, it adds.
Already there has been an engagement with an upcoming group 'Make it Use It' Welders and Fabricators Association of about 40 members who are now eager to formalise their registration to participate in the project.
So far the Government has awarded 17 contracts in lot 1 for development and advertised a further 35 in lot 2 for the constituency affordable housing program.
