The government has asked critics of the Sh6 billion affordable housing project at Buxton Point, Mombasa, to present their reservations in a constructive manner instead of politicising the development.
Speaking when he launched construction of 1,900 units being done through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), Housing and Urban Development PS Charles Hinga said the project is a social scheme under the Big Four Agenda and asked those inciting tenants against the project to stop.
“Instead of castigating the government and private developers, why don’t you come up with ideas that will change the face of Mombasa? Stop campaigning at the backs of poor people who will adequately benefit from this major housing project,” he said.
Hinga asked residents to back the project by the county government and investors led by Suleiman Shahbal, saying affordable housing projects are meant to not only transform tenants into homeowners but also enable them to live in beautiful and conducive environments at a cheaper price.
“We had a meeting with eight banks before heading to this event and we have agreed to use the Buxton Point housing project as an example to launch affordable housing,” he said, adding that the houses will be available on a mortgage of 9 per cent or less.
Shahbal said the success of the Buxton project will encourage investors to launch similar projects in other estates in Mombasa.
He said a two-bedroom apartment at Buxton estate will go for Sh3 million compared to Sh6.5 million in the neighbouring Tudor environs. A one-bedroom unit will be sold at Sh1.8 million and three-bedroom will go for Sh4.2 million. Already, 1,253 houses are sold.
The businessman said the project will have commercial stalls, a youth centre to nurture talents, a nursery school, a madrasa and a clinic.
Chairman of the Buxton Tenants Welfare Group Sheikh Khalif Mohammed said the majority of residents have endorsed the plan and are ready to defend it.
Other estates targeted for rebuilding are Changamwe, Likoni flats, Miritini, Tudor, Mzizima and Khadija.
Residents also asked the government to consider introducing the project in neighbouring counties of Kwale and Kilifi once they finish with Mombasa.
At the same time, village elder Vincent Mwachiro asked the government to ensure the houses are given to those who deserve them.
“We have those who were relocated to pave way for the construction, once the houses are done let’s give them the first priority to ownership,” he said.