M a r k e t N e w s
Kenya: Sh21 Billion Wind Power Project to Help Local Community
Posted on : Wednesday, 13th April 2016
Investors of the Sh21 billion wind power project at Baharini in Mpeketoni, have promised to create many jobs for locals.
They said they will also establish a Sh15 million annual trust fund to support local communities.
The wind harnessing plant is a project of a Kenyan firm Kenwind Holdings in partnership with Belgium's Electrawinds and the World Bank.
The International Finance Corporation, World Bank's private sector investment arm, announced its support for the project in June 2013.
Kenwind Director Susan Nandwa on Monday said the kitty will target communities in the whole county.
She said following discussions with project consultants, the kitty could be increased to Sh40 million.
Ms Nandwa assured locals the company will follow the right procedure in acquiring land for the project.
"No one will be evicted from their land. Anyone whose land will be used for the project will be compensated accordingly," Ms Nandwa said.
The project is set to open up the area through creation of jobs besides developing the area.
"I am aware of gossip being spread that locals will be evicted from their farms because of this project. Let me assure you we will follow the right procedures in obtaining land. We will rely on the National Lands Commission," Ms Nandwa added.
ATTRACTING INVESTORS
Lands commission boss Muhammad Swazuri cautioned locals against scaring away investors by demanding too much for their land.
Dr Swazuri lamented that many national government projects have also been delayed because of unrealistic compensation demands.
"It's unfortunate that land owners are demanding very high compensation and this is scaring away private investors alike. It is almost a disaster because people are demanding too much for land and this has delayed key projects. But my commission will ensure national projects go on here in Lamu as planned," said Dr Swazuri.
He added: "NLC will not allow a few individuals to frustrate investors. I am also assuring the 259 squatters affected by wind power project that everyone will be compensated."
County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri accused some leaders of inciting locals against projects by the national government.
He termed such actions as malicious and assured investors that the government is committed to see all development projects implemented.
"We will ensure investors follow the national and county government procedures in implementing their projects. I am however warning those spreading rumours against crucial projects, they must stop," said Mr Kanyiri.
Source : allafrica.com
