Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a has urged President William Ruto to ignore his critics and focus on delivering the affordable housing project.
The lawmaker termed the project as a transformative one that will give majority of poor Kenyans an opportunity to own a home.
Ng'ang'a spoke amid criticism of the project by civil groups and the opposition brigade led by Azimio leader Raila Odinga. The project has seen imposition of a 1.5 per cent taxation of all employed Kenyans.
Speaking while inspecting the project that will see construction of 975 units of two-bedrooms, three-bedrooms and studio apartments in Thika town, the MP said the project will go a long way in turning around the country's economy besides creating job opportunities for thousands of Kenyan youths.
"Those who have been waiting for the project to flop should visit Thika and witness the kind of work going on here. I'm urging the President not to be derailed in this noble plan," Ng'ang'a said.
The MP chided the opposition for criticising the project saying Azimio had affordable housing in their manifesto. "We are implementing this project because we are the ones who won. Azimio too had this project. They should make a healthy criticism," she said.
Ng'ang'a who said two out of the four blocks are almost 50 per cent done, disclosed that some 570 Thika residents have already secured jobs at the site, adding that the number will rise as the project takes shape.
"There's a lot of work remaining that will see more workers employed. A group of Jua kali artisans already entered a deal worth Sh100 million to provide steel equipment including doors, windows and grills. This will go a long way in improving their livelihoods and boosting the local economy," she said.
She said the houses are expected to be ready for occupation by July next year, adding that Thika residents will be be given priority to buy the houses.
The lawmaker called on Kenyans to embrace and support the project especially during the planned Public Participation meetings set to be held across the country to collect their views on the affordable housing project.
Miles Mwangi, the engineer in charge of the Thika project, said proper plans have been made to ensure timely delivery of the project.