Flouting white paint rule lands 100 in court
A Mombasa building that is crying for a fresh coat of paint. Last month, the council gave property owners two weeks to paint their buildings white, or face prosecution and have their licences cancelled. Photo/GIDEON MAUNDU
More than 100 property owners in Mombasa have been taken to court for not painting their buildings white.
Mombasa Town Clerk Tubman Otieno said on Thursday the council had bonded heads of companies and government agencies and owners of commercial buildings to appear in court for flouting by-laws.
“Last month we gave a two-week notice to property owners to repaint their buildings, but only a few have complied with the council regulations. We are now taking action against those who have flouted the rules. Already more than 100 developers have been bonded to appear in court,” he said.
Mr Otieno accused some investors of painting houses with screaming colours such as red, blue, green and orange, yet the by-laws require all buildings in the municipality to be in white.
The colour, he said, was preferred as it does not absorb heat. Mombasa is one of the hottest towns in the country.
Mr Otieno said a team had been formed to identify buildings not painted and bond the owners to appear in court.
“Let developers who have not repainted their buildings be warned that the law will soon catch up with them,” he said, adding that the council will withdraw licences of developers who flout by-laws.
He commended companies and property owners who had repainted their buildings with the approved colour.
Tenants support action
“We sincerely thank all developers who have repainted their buildings as it will improve the town’s image,” he said.
Tenants, some of who accused property owners of neglecting their buildings, have supported the council’s action.
“Some of the buildings are an eyesore to our customers, residents and visitors. The property owners must be dealt with according to the law,” said a businesswoman who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals.
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry branch chairman James Mureu backed the council, saying, those flouting the rules were tarnishing the town’s image.
“For many years Mombasa town looked attractive because buildings were painted white. It is the best colour because of the hot weather. Some companies are messing up the town by painting buildings with non-traditional colours. This trend must be brought to an end,” he said.
Mombasa and Coast Tourist Association chairman Mohamed Hersi said the move was long overdue.
“The painting of buildings white is part of the Swahili culture. Even when you go to the historical town of Lamu, you will find buildings painted white. In order to maintain the beauty of this town, all buildings should be painted white as it has been the norm over the years,” he said.
