The State Department for Housing and Urban Development (SDHUD) has handed over the site for the construction of affordable housing units at a cost of Sh1.2 billion in Suneka town, Bonchari Constituency in Kisii, under the Affordable Housing Programme.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Department’s Western Rift region team lead, Nyaigoti Mogeni, said the residential development will feature 500 housing units of different categories, including social housing units, affordable units, and market units for middle income earners.
“This project is designed with resident’s well-being in mind and will also have essential amenities such as ample parking, reliable water supply, electricity infrastructure, solid waste management and a clubhouse,” noted Mogeni.
He noted the project will benefit the residents through job creation with the contractors employing local workers, including masons, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and even unskilled workers.
Mogeni also pointed out that the contractor will source the construction materials locally upon certification to ensure they meet the required quality standards.
The team lead added the project will be a testing site where they will push for the workers to get formal recognition for skills acquired through hands-on work.
In addition, he urged the residents to register through the Boma Yangu platform or dial *832# USSD to qualify for the affordable houses as long as they are able to pay a 5 percent deposit of the value of the house and make subsequent payments for the house they acquire.
Mogeni assured the residents that they will constantly monitor the project together with the county’s implementation team to ensure it is delivered on time and to the expected quality.
While lauding the county government for readily providing land for the construction of affordable houses, he urged the local Housing department to consider allocating land for the housing project in Kitutu Chache North, the only Constituency where they had not identified a construction site.
Representing the main contractor of the project Lavasa Construction Company Limited, the Director Vijay PS pledged to work together with the relevant stakeholders to ensure the project is completed to the required standards.
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Grace Nyarango affirmed that the allocated land for the project belonged to the county government and they will work closely with the contractor to ensure the timely completion of the project.
Nyarango noted that Suneka town was a vibrant economic hub particularly known for its open-air market where a variety of goods are sold to the locals and neighboring regions.
Strategically positioned along the Kisii-Migori Highway, the CECM said the affordable houses in Suneka would offer decent accommodation for the residents who contribute to its dynamic economic activities.
She also called for continuous collaboration between the county and national governments to ensure they promote development projects in the region.
Kisii County Commissioner Mwachaunga Chaunga said the project would greatly boost the local economy and improve the livelihoods of the people within the Suneka community and beyond because it would create hundreds of job opportunities throughout the project’s projected 18 months’ period.
The CC urged the local leadership to support the project devoid of politics, adding that politicizing the initiative could derail its progress.
“I am encouraging the chiefs to play a leading role in ensuring this project succeeds by sensitizing the people on the benefits including home ownership and employment opportunities,” added Chaunga.
Notably, local leaders and residents of Bonchari welcomed the project, expressing optimism about the positive impact it will have on the community.
Bomorenda ward Member of County Assembly John Ombati lauded the county and national governments for the initiative, saying that it will not only provide much-needed housing but also serve as a catalyst for further development in the region.
Ombati called upon the national government to hasten the construction of the Suneka Airstrip and the renovation of Suneka stadium to further boost the area’s economy.
The Suneka Affordable Housing project will be the fifth in the county, with construction of affordable houses in Nyanchwa, Ogembo, Nyaribari Masaba and Nyachenge areas currently on-going.
The Housing Department has set aside about 3 billion worth of investment in Affordable Housing and associated infrastructure in Kisii.
The Associated Infrastructure include the construction of the Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) markets in Etago (Sh169 million), Motonto and Ramasha clustered under one project (Sh140 million) and Egetuki and Masimba also clustered as one project (Sh110 million).
Others include Nyambera modern market in Kisii town (Sh. 349 million), Mogonga and Nyamatutu clustered under one project (Sh106 million), Riana and Nyakoe clustered under one project (Sh109 million) and Nyamaiya and Nyangusu also clustered as one project (Sh110 million).
The Affordable Housing Programme is a government initiative geared towards facilitating the production of decent, safe and affordable housing for Kenyan citizens.
Beyond catering to home applicants, the programme incorporates supply, demand, and creates an enabling environment through policy interventions.
By Mercy Osongo
