Houses demolished to allow for bypasses

Several posh houses standing on the Eastern and Northern road bypasses in the city's Kitisuru estate have been flattened to pave way for road construction.

Roads Minister Franklin Bett who supervised the demolitions vowed that no one will be allowed to encroach on road reserves.

He said notices issued to property owners had expired adding that contractors were ready to begin work.

Shocked residents and property owners watched in disbelief as armed police and private security guards kept vigil to ensure the demolition exercise progressed without a hitch.

Bett said all structures standing on the road reserves will be brought down saying obstruction is causing inordinate delays and losses on the part of the government as road contractors are unable to plan for the construction works.

But one of the property owners complained bitterly that the Minister ignored a court order claiming that the demolitions were done maliciously.

Bett however cautioned against court injunctions saying they were being misused to perpetuate illegalities.

The minister urged the Ministry of Lands to investigate officers who are involved in issuing fake title deeds and stern action be taken against them.

The owners of residential and other permanent structures have not been compensated as most of the buildings were constructed where others had previously been brought down for the road project.

The Northern by-pass, the Eastern by-pass, and the Ngong road-Westlands link are expected to ease traffic congestion as those who do not need to pass through the city centre will use the new routes.

The Ngong Road-Westlands link, also known as "the missing link", will enable motorists from Ngong, Lang'ata and Karen to drive directly to Westlands, reducing traffic on roads like Argwings Kodhek and Dennis Pritt.