The County Government of Machakos has begun demolishing buildings erected near rivers in Utawala to curb perennial flooding in the area and its environs.
The operation is being carried out by the Department of Lands, Urban Development, Housing and Roads.
Residents interviewed welcomed the move, saying the area is prone to flooding and the demolitions would help clear blocked waterways.
According to Francis Munyalo, a resident of Avewa Estate, more than 40 households in the estate were recently affected by floods.
“We have suffered for a long time. I have lived here for more than 15 years, and every time it rains, we get flash floods. We raised these concerns with the County Government,” Munyalo said.
He urged those who had encroached on riparian land to bring down their structures to unblock waterways and ensure a safe environment.
“As a member of this estate, I support the demolitions. I know some people have suffered, but for the greater public good, I commend the County Government’s efforts to control flooding,” he added.
Hotel proprietor Muigai said the flooding was caused by a seasonal river flowing from the Airport land upstream. While he supported the County’s action, he noted that many businesses had incurred losses.
He said most residents had legally acquired their parcels and were aware of the six-metre riparian buffer zone where development is prohibited.
However, some victims faulted the process. Lydia Kerubo, whose two-bedroom house was flattened, complained of inadequate notice.
She said the County had given residents until May 30 to vacate, yet demolitions began just a day after the notice was issued.
Kangundo/Tala Municipality Manager Justus Kiteng’u, who led the operation, said the demolitions were carried out urgently to prevent further flooding and possible loss of life, with rains still ongoing.
“Anything that is a threat to life, as a County Government, we treat as an emergency. We have taken action because the rains are still pouring, and if we delay, flooding may cause death,” Kiteng’u said.
Accompanied by a surveyor, Kiteng’u said the team used Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) maps to identify encroachment on riparian areas and marked the structures before demolition.
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He said the exercise will continue for several days along three rivers in the area. “We are giving owners a chance to demolish their buildings, and we are also demolishing others where owners have agreed, as we clear the blockages for the river to flow,” he explained.
Kiteng’u added that most residents in the Githunguri/Utawala area had been affected by recent flooding. He urged the public to conduct due diligence before purchasing land near riparian areas to avoid future losses.
By Gastone Valusi
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