Governor Gladys Wanga Demolishes Sh100M Factory to Build Office Block, Facing Legal and Transparency Issues
The Homa Bay devolved government has demolished a nearly completed multimillion-shilling factory to clear the way for the construction of the governor’s office.
Taxpayers face a potential loss of Sh100 million, the cost of the factory which was at the roofing stage. The construction of the Arujo Animal Feeds Factory began during Governor Cyprian Awiti’s administration.
The new administration continued the project until May of this year when it was decided that the site should be used for a governor’s office and senior staff facilities. An alternative location for the factory was reportedly identified.
The county government proceeded to demolish the factory structure.
Two activists have accused the devolved government of improperly demolishing the factory without consulting the public. They have challenged the construction of the office in the Environment and Lands Court.
Mr. Evance Oloo and Mr. Eugine Obisa claim that the demolition did not adhere to the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act 2015 (PPADA) and related regulations.
They are demanding that the valuation details of the building before its demolition be disclosed to the public.
Mr. Oloo stated in a letter to the departments of roads, finance, procurement, and public works that it seems the building was demolished without a professional valuation, which is essential to ensure fair value for the property.
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Originally, the building was intended to be a Huduma Centre, to be renovated and converted into offices.
In the letter, Mr. Oloo noted the absence of a clear plan for the disposal, the rationale behind the demolition, and the anticipated benefits.
He also pointed out that the county government did not use public auction or tendering, standard methods for disposing of public assets. The lack of a public advertisement for the disposal raises concerns about transparency and fairness.
Mr. Oloo is calling for the county government to account for the materials used in constructing the building. He wants the public to receive evidence from structural engineers on whether the building was condemned.
The activists argue in court that the county government violated the law by moving the headquarters from its current location to the outskirts of Homa Bay town.
Claims include the failure to obtain approval from the Members of the County Assembly for a deal with the County Pension Fund (CPF) that is constructing the new offices. Additionally, the county government is accused of not promoting competitive bidding when selecting CPF for the project.
Mr. Oloo is requesting that the court suspend the project until the county government provides evidence of compliance with the requirements for relocating the head office.
Justice George Ong’ondo has scheduled the hearing for October 7, when the petitioners will present their arguments.
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In May, Homa Bay signed an agreement with CPF to build new offices for Governor Wanga, executives, and other officials.
The CPF and the National Lands Commission (NLC) approved the county government’s request to lease land for the office construction.
CPF will finance the project for seven months, after which the county government will repay the remaining installments over 30 years. Ms. Wanga mentioned that the current offices used by senior county staff are inadequate.
“Some officials are struggling to find space to operate. The new building will provide a better environment,” Governor Wanga said during the groundbreaking ceremony in Arujo on May 31.
The new facility will include an amphitheatre, a lactating room, a one-stop service center, executive offices, departmental offices, board offices, and other essential components of a county headquarters.
Governor Gladys Wanga Demolishes Sh100M Factory to Build Office Block, Facing Legal and Transparency Issues
