The Nairobi County Assembly Planning Committee has intensified scrutiny of the stalled Jevanjee Housing Project in Ngara, with investors still awaiting completion and handover of their housing units.
During a site inspection, the committee found construction work at a standstill, raising fresh concerns over delays in delivering the project being undertaken by Jabavu Village Limited.
Committee Chairman Geoffrey Majiwa expressed concern over the plight of investors who have been left waiting for answers on when they will finally occupy their homes.
Majiwa assured the investors that the committee would engage both the developer and the county government to establish the contractual obligations of each party and agree on a clear completion timeline.
“We understand you. What we are going to do as a committee is follow up on the contract agreement between Jabavu and the county, and we are going to ensure that we have a meeting with them. They may not be available for you, but I am sure we will get them, sit down with them and agree on when this project will be completed so that you can get your own units,” Majiwa said.
However, the chairman cautioned investors against overlooking their own contractual obligations, noting that the developer had reportedly raised concerns that some purchasers had not paid the full amounts due.
He urged investors to prepare to clear any outstanding balances, warning that disputes over payments could complicate efforts to complete the project and result in a further stalemate.
The committee also raised concerns over the utilisation of the project site after discovering that part of the premises had been converted into a concrete production facility. The development prompted questions about whether the site’s current use was consistent with the contractual arrangements.
Zhongjiao Third Highway Engineering East Africa is the main contractor at the site.
Addressing the committee, site manager Makase Manono attributed the implementation challenges to escalating contract costs, saying the issue required resolution between the developer and the contractor.
“I cannot speak for Jabavu, but what I know is that the developer is facing challenges arising from the escalation of costs under the contract. It would be prudent for the matter to be resolved between the developer and the contractor. We have been on the ground since day one of the project, and I must say that, as the site team, I am ready to do my part,” Manono said.
Pangani Housing Project Records Significant Progress
The committee also inspected the Pangani Urban Renewal Project, where it established that construction remained incomplete despite substantial progress.
The contractor has reportedly completed approximately 80 per cent of the project, with completion targeted for next year.
The inspections form part of the committee’s inquiry into the implementation status of the two housing developments, with the Jevanjee project attracting particular concern over the suspension of construction and the uncertainty facing investors.
The committee is expected to consolidate its findings and prepare a final report outlining its conclusions and recommendations on the projects.
