Former Embakasi South Member of Parliament (MP) Irshad Sumra has revealed that the developer of the Mombasa building taken down by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) on Wednesday, April 9, had invested over Ksh300 million in its construction.
Speaking to the media shortly after the demolition as a representative of the developer, the former MP noted that the building did not have any insurance.
"The building was worth around Ksh300 million to Ksh350 million. There was no insurance, but luckily, no flat owner has been affected, as the plot owner used his money to pay," he stated.
"He used his money, but that was a loan which he needs to repay, so pray for him. Yes, we have lost Ksh300 million, but we thank God because money is not more important than people's lives. Buildings have fallen on people and they have passed on, but we thank God that did not happen here. We decided it was important just to demolish the building."
He emphasised that all parameters expected had been satisfactorily met during the building process and that no foul play was involved, further insisting that he was ready to answer to any concerns.
Sumra, who currently serves as the secretary-general of the Kenya Iron and Scrap Metal Association, added that the developer had already received the green light to build four additional floors to the 11-storey building, which were expected to be ready in August.
"When we were told to put kokoto of 600 millimetres, we have the certificate to show that we put it at 1,000 millimetres. When we were told to put Y20, we put Y25. Where we were told to put Y30, we put Y35," he explained
"There is nothing we are hiding. We got an approval for four more floors. There shall be no speculations. There is no ill will. We can make a file."
On April 3, the evacuation of residents of the condemned building began after concerns were raised over a crack forming on the building following weeks of heavy downpour. The building had also already started caving in.
Mombasa County officials, led by the Mombasa County Fire and Disaster Chief Officer Ibrahim Basafar, were present during the evacuations and raised suspicions that proper guidelines were not observed during the construction.
"One floor has already caved in, including the basement of the building. Already the building is slanted, and if you closely observe, the structure did not go up with the right dimensions," he said.
On Tuesday, April 9, the Defense Cabinet Secretary deployed KDF officers to Mombasa to demolish the building using explosive technology.
Thousands of patients admitted at the nearby Costal General Hospital were evacuated, and the Nyali bridge was also closed to allow for the exercise, which was eventually carried out on Wednesday.
