Department hands over site for Sh1.2 billion Affordable Housing project in Suneka

MERCY OSONGO-KNA

The State Department for Housing and Urban Development (SDHUD) has handed over a site for the construction of affordable housing units worth Sh1.2 billion in Suneka town, Bonchari Constituency in Kisii County, under the Affordable Housing Programme.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the department’s Western Rift region team leader, Nyaigoti Mogeni, said the residential development will comprise 500 housing units of different categories, including social housing units, affordable units, and market-rate units for middle-income earners.

“This project is designed with resident’s well-being in mind and will also have essential amenities such as ample parking, reliable water supply, electricity infrastructure, solid waste management and a club house,” noted Mogeni.

He noted the project will benefit the residents through job creation with the contractors employing local workers including masons, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and even unskilled workers.

Mogeni also pointed out that the contractor will source the construction materials locally upon certification, to ensure they meet the required quality standards.

He added the project will be a testing site where they will push for the workers to get formal recognition for skills acquired through hands-on work. 

In addition, he urged the residents to register through the Boma Yangu platform or dial *832# USSD to qualify for the affordable houses as long as they are able to pay a 5 percent deposit of the value of the house and make subsequent payments for the house they acquire.

Mogeni assured the residents that they will constantly monitor the project together with the county’s implementation team to ensure it is delivered on time and to the expected quality.

Lauding the county government for readily providing land for the construction of affordable houses, he urged the local Housing department to consider allocating land for the housing project in Kitutu Chache North, the only constituency which had a construction site not identified.

Representing the main contractor- Lavasa Construction Company Limited, the Director Vijay PS pledged to work together with the relevant stakeholders to ensure the project is completed to the required standards.

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Grace Nyarango affirmed that the allocated land for the project belonged to the county government and they will work closely with the contractor to ensure the timely completion of the project.

Nyarango noted that Suneka town is a vibrant economic hub particularly known for its open-air market where a variety of goods are sold to the locals and neighbouring regions.