Residents of Changamwe have now given the green light for the construction of a liquefied petroleum gas terminal in the area after almost six years of push and pull.
The owners of the terminal, Focus Container Freight Station, have complied with all the residents' and environmental requirements.
This is after the residents demonstrated against its construction in 2018 due to proximity to their residential premises, among other factors.
On Saturday, during a public participation exercise graced by Mombasa county commissioner Mohamed Noor, the residents expressed satisfaction with the transfer of the project to a location 208 meters away from the initially proposed area.
“Initially, the proposed project was too close to our houses. During the initial stages of construction, our houses developed cracks because of the heavy machinery working there. That is part of the reason we demonstrated against the project,” Ibrahim Rasi, a Chaani resident representing the youth, including Chaani Youth FC, said.
The residents also called on the management of the firm to consider them for job opportunities.
“This facility will be big. All we ask as Community Health Promoters is we be given tenders for cleaning services for the proposed LPG terminal,” Michael Nyamai, a Matangini resident in Chaani, said.
Nyamai said they should also be allowed to sell food to the workers during the construction of the terminal.
The residents asked Focus CFS chairman Feisal Abbas to conduct free medical camps in the neighbourhood twice a year as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.
Karisa Safari, a youth in the area, said the relocation of the proposed site to 208 meters away from the residential area is a good gesture.
“We were worried about the demolition of our business and residential premises, but now we are happy you have assured us there will be no such thing. We welcome you to start your project which we believe will benefit us in one way or the other,” Karisa said.
He said the SMEs that are within the area could also be trained on safety issues with incentives like boosts for their small businesses.
Clement Mwakio, a Chaani resident, asked that a survey be done to determine the boundaries between Focus CFS and the adjacent community.
“There is a parcel of land about 16 meters wide that Focus left. We ask that the CFS leave the parcel for us as a community to use as a goodwill gesture,” Mwakio said.
Focus CFS chair Abbas said they have worked well with the community before and assured them that this time there will be an even better working relationship between the company and the residents.
“We have heard your cries, and we have learnt our lessons. Business is about give and take. Understanding is the most important thing for business to thrive,” Abbas said.
Abbas said the proposed LPG terminal has been downsized from the initially planned 30,000 metric tonne facility to a 15,000 metric tonne facility.
This, he said, is in line with recommendations made by the ruling of the National Environment Tribunal delivered in Nairobi.
“This is part of the enhanced safety measures that we have considered,” he said.
“During and after the completion of the project, employment opportunities will be created with local residents getting the priority,” he said.
He said there will be no eviction as feared by residents, stating that the company has enough land to put up their terminal.
County commissioner Noor said public participations are always the gateway to peaceful coexistence between entities and residents.
He commended the residents for turning up peacefully and participating in the exercise.
“The main aim of such a forum is to ensure residents understand the projects coming up in their areas. When you understand something, you will be able to reasonably consider the pros and cons of the project before deciding for or against it,” Noor said.
He challenged the management of the project to ensure the local residents benefit from it.
"The main aim of the project within the environs is to address employment opportunities for the local residents,” he said.
