Why opening of multi-billion Bunge Tower should be halted – Cherargei

Senator wants PSC to avail public health certificate on safety of the building before occupation

In Summary
  • President William Ruto is scheduled to officially open the building for use by the members after 14 years of construction.
  • Cherargei said the contract for the project has been revised several times, beyond the limit provided for by the PFM Act, 2012.

Controversy has hit the multimillion Bunge Tower with some lawmakers now calling for the postponement of its opening. https://rb.gy/3g7mgk

BUNGE TOWER
BUNGE TOWER
Image: HANDOUT

Controversy has hit the multimillion Bunge Tower with some lawmakers now calling for the postponement of its opening.

President William Ruto is scheduled to officially open the building for use by the members after 14 years of construction.

However, some lawmakers now want the event cancelled even as they demanded answers from the Parliamentary Service Commission on the condition of the building.

"PSC should be taken to explain the mystery of billions surrounding the construction of Bunge Towers which has been a moving target and has taken all these years to be completed, " Cherargei said.

Addressing a press conference at Parliament Buildings on Wednesday, Cherargei said the contract for the project has been revised several times, beyond the limit provided for by the PFM Act, 2012.

The construction of the building started in 2010 with an initial budget of Sh5.89 billion.

Later, it was revised to Sh7.1 billion before being pushed to Sh9.6 billion.

"It's interesting when we compare Bunge towers with the CBK pension towers that took less than three and a half to be completed. It is a 27-storey and an ultra-modern building that cost Sh2.49 billion," he said.

The Nandi Senator said several construction works have not been completed.

"As we speak, many areas have not been completed. The gym and many other areas have not been completed," he said.

He added that the Building is yet to be officially handed over to Parliament by the contractors.

He demanded that PSC avails the copies of the certificate clearing the building for occupation by the members and parliamentary staff.

"It should be noted that despite the relocations currently taking place, several construction works on some floors are still ongoing or others visibility incomplete, " he said.

As such, the senator wants PSC to avail completion certificate, occupation certificate as well a certificate of public health on the safety of the building.

In addition, the lawmaker wants PSC to explain amount of pending works as well as the pending amount to be to the contractor.

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