A conflict has arisen between the national government and the people of Ong’ata Rongai after the announcement of affordable housing units construction on the land that is currently reserved for the Nakeel Community Stadium.
The discouraged locals have vehemently rejected the idea of the project, emphasizing that the 16.5 acres of land is a communal property that was set aside for building a new stadium.
The residents say that official land measurement has verified the size of the plot and a number of donors have already committed to sponsoring the construction of the sports facility once the ownership dispute that is at court is resolved.
“This is a place that was dedicated to the youth and community activities. We cannot stand it if they take it away to build houses,” said one of the residents during a public meeting in Rongai.
The affordable housing plan that is looming is among the national government’s long-term plans to provide decent and low-cost housing to many more people in the country. Nevertheless, the proposal has triggered a conflict in which local people have accused officials of ignoring community interests and legal procedures.
Community leaders have urged the government agencies to engage in talks with the residents to settle the disagreement in a peaceful way and also to safeguard the public spaces that are meant for social and sporting development.
The issue is before the court, and both parties are waiting for a ruling on the ownership and use of the land in question.
