A child and nanny narrowly escaped death when construction debris fell on their home in Syokimau, raising serious safety concerns among residents. The incident occurred on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Muthama Heights estate. The duo were in the bathroom when a large stone crashed through the roof. Fortunately, they sustained only minor injuries.
A Courtesy Photo of a hole where stone fell through to a bathroom of the next house from a construction site in Muthama Heights Estate, Syokimau.
This alarming event has sent shockwaves through the community and highlighted ongoing issues surrounding construction safety and compliance in the area. Residents have long expressed concerns about the construction site nearby. Despite these complaints, work continued unabated.
The National Construction Authority (NCA) had issued a stop notice on April 15, 2024, due to safety violations. However, the developer ignored this directive and continued construction without necessary approvals. This blatant disregard for regulations has left many residents feeling vulnerable.
Belinda Odhiambo, the child’s mother, shared her distress: “The stone was so big, and the impact in that bathroom was devastating. I cried not because they were slightly injured but because God rescued them from the jaws of death.” Her words reflect the fear and anxiety that now permeate the estate.
Residents like Carolyne have voiced their frustrations about living near the construction site. “We have to beg the construction workers to avoid building on our side when we’re doing laundry,” she said. “Stones are falling everywhere, and we have children playing around. It’s dangerous.”
Following the incident, detectives from Mlolongo Police Station and NCA officials visited the site to assess safety risks. Their findings revealed hazardous materials precariously positioned near homes. This situation poses an imminent threat to residents.
The chairman of Muthama Heights Estate, Kim Musau, expressed outrage over the incident. “Three houses have been directly affected by this construction,” he stated. “The landlords and tenants need compensation, and the county government must explain if this project was approved and whether it meets safety standards.”
The financial implications of this situation are significant for homeowners. Carolyne lamented that her house, valued at Ksh 13 million, has lost considerable worth due to ongoing construction issues. “If I were to sell it now, I couldn’t recover that amount,” she explained.
Many residents are left wondering how they will cope with potential accidents or further incidents caused by negligence at the construction site. Attempts to reach the developer for comment were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered. Meanwhile, NCA confirmed that the developer lacks necessary approvals for the project. The site fails to meet basic safety requirements such as hoarding, netting, fencing, and signage.
The NCA also hinted at possible corruption within Machakos County government regarding oversight of such developments. This revelation raises questions about how construction projects are monitored and regulated in the region.
As families navigate this distressing situation, they are calling for justice and accountability from both the developer and local authorities. The incident has spotlighted lax enforcement of construction regulations in Kenya.
Residents demand immediate action to ensure their safety and prevent future accidents. They await a response from government officials regarding their concerns.
The incident in Syokimau serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked construction activities. As families continue to live in fear of falling debris and other hazards, it is crucial for authorities to enforce regulations strictly.
Residents deserve safe living conditions free from threats posed by negligent developers. The community hopes that this incident will prompt necessary changes in oversight and accountability in construction practices across Kenya.
