A part of the people living in Mukuru kwa Njenga has petitioned the government to provide them with a map or a list of the areas where the housing project will be constructed because they are so scared and confused due to the fact that no official has been communicating with them.
The residents say that the ambiguity about the zones to be developed has become a source of intimidation, and hence that some individuals and groups may be using the affordable housing initiative as a cover to evict the locals. They say that this has happened even in areas that have not been formally recognized for the project.
They also say that land mafia are taking advantage of the situation to lie to people and threaten them so that they will move from their houses without receiving any formal eviction notices or seeing government officials.
Community members have asked the authorities concerned to give out clear and honest information regarding the extent and the limits of the project as they warn that if the silence continues, it could lead to more heated arguments and concerns of the public about the government’s housing program may decrease.
The people living there also demand that if there are any plans to move them or redevelop the area, these plans should be done according to the law, with respect for human rights, and with the opinion of the affected families as per the constitution that safeguards housing and land rights.
