Garissa MCAs clash over demolition of structures
Galbet MCA Abdirizack Ismail speaks to journalist in his office on January 27, 2018 where he dismissed his colleagues who accused him of incitement following disagreements over a demolition of illegal structures which is being done by Garissa County government. PHOTO | ABDIMALIK HAJIR | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Some MCAs reprimanded their colleagues whom they said should leave the county to deliver on its manifesto.
The county government, through the executive officer for Land has been demolishing structures outside Ring Road.
- Masalani MCA Abubakar Mohamed said the county government is only implementing resolutions passed by the county assembly.
Members of the Garissa County Assembly have clashed over the ongoing county government’s crackdown on illegal structures in Garissa Town.
While some members supported the move saying the town needs proper planning, others opposed the move saying land is an emotive issue that needs to be handled with care and wide consultations with residents.
Addressing a press conference at the county assembly Friday, some MCAs who supported the move by the executive reprimanded their colleagues whom they said should leave the county to deliver on its manifesto.
The county government, through the executive officer for Land has been demolishing structures outside Ring Road.
ASSEMBLY RESOLUTIONS
Masalani Ward Representative Abubakar Mohamed said bickering on land will only bring disharmony amongst residents, adding that the county government is only implementing resolutions passed by the county assembly.
Mr Mohamed said the process of planning Garissa Town is long overdue and insisted that the crackdown on illegal structures is not selective.
Bura MCA Abdullahi Omar said the people of Garissa are willing to support the process since the town is growing fast without any proper roads and other social amenities.
However Galbet MCA Abdirizack Ismail, whose area has been affected, said land is an emotive subject and forceful eviction might result to conflicts. He said locals should be engaged in any actions regarding land.
ATTENTION SEEKERS
He dismissed MCAs accusing him of incitement as attention seekers, saying he only called for dialogue. He told other MCAs to “speak for their wards”.
"I have no idea what report the county government is using to implement this [project]. It’s not possible for any government to just wake up and start destroying structures without consultation," he said.
Mr Ismail said he is not against planning by the county but only called for proper stakeholders’ meeting that involves locals who will be affected by the action.
He appealed to Governor Ali Korane to order a halt to the demolitions until appropriate consultations with local leaders and affected people are done.
"I directly appeal to the governor to intervene because force can't work because people will resist if anything is done without consulting them," he added.
