Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Politicians and lobbies have opposed the
proposed construction of an official residence for Mombasa Governor
Hassan Joho and his Deputy William Kingi.
They
said construction of the residence is not a priority since the county
is plagued by many challenges such as poor infrastructure and drainage
system, garbage menace, drug abuse, juvenile criminal gangs and high
unemployment rates.
DRAFT BUDGET
Details
on the project are contained in a Sh12.9 billion medium-term draft
budget for the 2018/2019 financial year. The budget states that the
construction will be done in two phases.
The county has been holding public participation meetings with regard to the draft budget.
But Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo urged the governor and his deputy to priorities other crucial amenities instead of their residence.
“Mr Joho is serving his last term and there are serious issues that require funding,” he said.
Bamburi
MCA Robert Nyiro said: “We have many burning issues. We have not
received bursaries yet schools are opening for second term.” Freetown
MCA Charles Kitula said the funds can be utilised for other purposes.
Commission for Human Rights and Justice Executive Director Julius Ogogoh said they will go to court to stop the construction.
But
Finance Executive Mariam Mbaruk defended her decision to include the
construction in the budget. “It is a proposal from the national
government that going forward, governors and their deputies will not be
paid house allowances,” she said.
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