Ministry blamed for demolition of Police houses

The Public Works ministry was Wednesday blamed for the blunder that resulted in the demolition of two blocks of houses at the Central Police Station even before they had been occupied.

The two blocks were pulled down in June to make way for the expansion of University Way, which is a part of the expansion of Thika Road.

The flyover to be constructed above the Globe Roundabout will land on the area next to the police lines and necessitated the demolition of the two blocks of houses.

In Parliament, Internal Security assistant minister Orwa Ojode said the ministry had acted on the advice of an Engineer Nyakuti from the Public Works ministry and gone ahead with the construction.

He said Internal Security would now surcharge Public Works for the loss of the Sh16 million used to put up the two blocks of modern police lines at the station.

But he was also put to task on that.

“The minister has been complaining in this House about the shortage of houses for the Police. Can he tell us who is to blame?” asked Nyakach MP Pollyns Achieng.

Mr Ojode said a meeting was held on the site on January 25, 2008 and the said engineer had the following day said the flyover would go in the direction of the Old Nation Roundabout.

Ainamoi MP Benjamin Langat accused the government of failing to plan properly in these and many other projects, prompting Mr Ojode to respond.

“Public Works has issues, even with Constituency Development Fund projects. I think it is a well known fact that Public Works has been doing badly,” said Mr Ojode.

Garsen MP countered that even if Public Works were to be surcharged and made to pay, the Kenyan taxpayer would be the ultimate loser since he finances all the ministries.

It was then Mr Ojode said the ministry would then have the option of surcharging Engineer Nyakuti or any other of their officers if they are deemed to have misguided their work.