- The project hires over 2, 000 Kenyans daily with thousands of others indirectly engaged in its supply chains.
- Yang said the project if completed will add to the already completed and occupied 7,225 housing units.
Image: GEORGE OWITI
Real estate development firm Erdemann Property Ltd has launched phase six of its affordable housing project in Athi River, Machakos county.
Edermann has built five phases of the project, dubbed Greatwall Apartments, and on Friday launched construction of more housing units in the area.
Managing director Zeyun Yang said the project will involve construction of 3,000 three bedroom houses and 108 shops.
Yang said the project if completed will add to the already completed and occupied 7,225 housing units.
He said the project that implements President William Ruto administration's affordable housing project hires over 2, 000 Kenyans daily with thousands of others indirectly engaged in its supply chains.
Yang, however, said the weakening shilling against the dollar hurts the construction industry.
"The depreciation of the shilling has escalated import costs thereby increasing costs of construction in Kenya," Yang said.
He said supply chain disruptions in the construction industry lead to delays and increased costs in delivering housing projects in the real estate industry.
“The construction industry, much like others, has encountered challenges in recent years including the fluctuating exchange rate surpassing Sh150 per dollar, economic fluctuations, disruptions in the supply chain, and the issue of illegal land occupation, all of which have tested our resilience,” Yang said.
He spoke during the official groundbreaking of Greatwall Gardens phase six in Athi River on Thursday.
The event was presided over by Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti.
Yang said the firm's mission is to provide decent and affordable housing to middle and low-income earners, with a vision of seeing a country where every family can own or rent a decent house.
“Today, we come together to celebrate the start of GWG6, a significant milestone in our journey to provide decent and affordable housing. This project, like those before it reflects our unwavering commitment to creating homes where families can thrive,” Yang said.
He said they haved since inception built over 7,225 residential housing units, with a majority of them located in Machakos county.
“Today, as we break ground for GWG6, we mark the beginning of a project that will add 3,110 more units to our portfolio, bringing our total to over 10,335 completed residences. We appreciate Machakos county for fostering an environment that supports development and businesses,” Yang said.
Yang said illegal land occupation threatens lawful development in the country.
He said they were working with authorities and communities to protect their properties and promote ethical development.
Yang noted that economic challenges haved influenced consumer confidence and affordability concerns.
“With GWG 6, we have focused on cost efficiency and value for money to address these concerns. However, our dedicated team has adapted by diversifying suppliers and optimising schedules,” Yang said.
He urged both the national and Machakos county governments to improve essential services such as roads, water supply, sewage, and electricity.