Government could be forced to use explosives in ongoing demolitions

juma chrispinus

August 10, 2018 9:06 AM

A bulldozer was nearly buried during the demolition of Ukay Mall.

The Nairobi River Regeneration task force working on demolishing buildings on the riparian land is contemplating using explosives to bring down buildings, after the failed destruction of Southend Mall along Lang’ata Road.

The authorities have said that lack of fuel for two trucks and two bulldozers saw the demolition delayed for more than seven hours on Thursay.

The Nairobi River Regeneration task force operations manager, Julius Wanjau, told The Standard his team could use explosives to bring down the multi-billion shilling Southend Mall.

ALSO READ: Gov’t demolishes Nakumatt Ukay

“We are consulting on whether to use explosives to bring down the building because it is high up and the bulldozers are unable to reach the top-most floors.

“We, however, assure the public that this has not slowed down our quest to do away with buildings on riparian land,” said Mr Wanjau as quoted by the Standard.

He dismissed reports that the demolitions had been halted by a court order.

“Whoever is feeding the public with false reports should stop. Our work is cut out for us and this time round we will not spare any building for the sake of our river,” he added.

The new strategy surfaces at a time the operator of a bulldozer demolishing the Ukay Mall in Westlands was nearly buried when a huge chunk of ballast came crumbling on his way, nearly burying the entire bulldozer.

juma chrispinus