Lobby raises concerns over construction of hotel inside Ngong Forest
GBM has subsequently demanded that Lemarkoko provides them with information on the identity of the developer undertaking the project
The Green Belt Movement (GBM) has expressed deep concern over reports of an ongoing construction of a luxury hotel within the Ngong Road Forest, adjacent to the sanctuary.
In a letter to Chief Conservator of Forests at the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Alex Lemarkoko, the lobby noted that the forest is a critical ecological and biodiversity resource in Nairobi.
“It provides essential ecosystem services including carbon sequestration, air purification, water catchment protection, and serves as an important recreational and educational green space for the city’s residents. It is also home to diverse flora and fauna, some of which are endangered.”
“It has come to our attention that a private developer has begun construction within this forest area. This development, if confirmed, raises serious environmental, legal, and ethical concerns,” the letter added.
GBM has subsequently demanded that Lemarkoko provides them with information on the identity of the developer undertaking construction within the Ngong Road Forest.
It is also seeking a detailed outline of the process through which the said developer was granted access and/or rights to carry out any form of construction within a protected forest area.
Further, it wants to be furnished with a copy of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report and license as issued by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), if any, with respect to this project.
The latest controversy comes months after the KFS and NEMA suspended licenses they had issued to Karura Golf Range Limited for the construction of a golf course and a restaurant in Ngong Forest after an outcry from environmentalist resulted in intervention from then Environment, Forestry and Climate Change Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, now at Health, directing their withdrawal.
“Following yesterday’s directive by Cabinet Secretary KFS and NEMA, have today suspended licenses issued to Karura Golf Range Ltd for the development, operation and management of a golf range, restaurant and mini golf part within Miotoni Block of Ngong Road Forest, Nairobi County pending review vide the attached letters,” Duale said in a statement.
