Nairobi Assembly Planning Committee Surveys Stalled Jevanjee Housing Project
The Nairobi County Assembly Planning Committee has raised the alarm over the stalled Jevanjee Housing Project in Ngara, leaving investors uncertain about when they will finally take possession of their units.
During a site inspection, the committee, led by Planning Committee Chairman Geoffrey Majiwa, found construction work at a standstill, raising fresh concerns over delays in completing the development being undertaken by Jabavu Village Limited.
Majiwa expressed concern over the plight of investors who have been waiting for the developer to complete the project, assuring them that the committee would intervene to establish a clear completion timeline.
“We understand you. What we are going to do as a committee is follow up on the contract agreement between Jabavu and the county, and we are going to ensure that we have a meeting with them. They may not be available for you, but I am sure we will get them, sit down with them and agree on when this project will be completed so that you can get your own units,” Majiwa said.
However, the chairman urged investors to be prepared to settle any outstanding balances, noting that the developer had reportedly raised concerns over incomplete payments by some purchasers.
“The only thing is, which I heard them also saying, although they have not told us directly, is that most of you have not paid the entire amount. That is a story on their side. So, as we push them, we also ask you to be ready with your balances so that we do not get into a situation where they say they have completed their part, but the buyers have not paid what is owed to them. We do not want a stalemate that could further delay completion,” he added.
The committee also raised concerns after observing that part of the project site had been converted into a concrete production facility, prompting questions about whether the site’s current use complies with the contractual arrangements.
Zhongjiao Third Highway Engineering East Africa is the main contractor at the site.
Speaking before the committee, site manager Makase Manono attributed the implementation challenges to an escalation in contract costs, saying the dispute needed to be resolved between the developer and the contractor.
“I cannot speak for Jabavu, but what I know is that the developer is facing challenges arising from the escalation of costs under the contract. It would be prudent for the matter to be resolved between the developer and the contractor. We have been on the ground since day one of the project, and I must say that, as the site team, I am ready to do my part,” Manono said.
Pangani Project Not Yet Completed
The committee also inspected the Pangani Urban Renewal Project, where it established that construction remained incomplete despite substantial progress.
The contractor has reportedly completed approximately 80 per cent of the project, with completion targeted for next year.
The two inspections form part of the committee’s inquiry into the status of the housing developments and the concerns surrounding their implementation.
The committee is expected to retreat and consolidate its findings before preparing a final report outlining its conclusions and recommendations.
