The construction of a Multi-billion Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) holding facility at Vipingo area in Kilifi County remains in mystery after Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro sanctioned its closure on Friday.
According to the county chief, the construction rules had been violated with the contractor implementing a totally different work plan he had been licensed for and that foreigners without Kenyan work permits had been employed to the site.
Mung’aro however agreed to dialogue with the contractor, Lake Gas Limited on behalf of Centum to reach an amicable solution adding that Kilifi residents had been denied job opportunities at the site in favor of unlicensed Indians.
During a meeting chaired by Mung’aro and Kilifi County Commissioner Joseph Biwott, the teams agreed to iron out the teething issues before operations at the plant would be restored.
Among issued raised by the County government include, unprocedural altering of the project design which according to the Kilifi County Executive Member (CECM) for Lands, Energy, Housing, Physical Planning & Urban Development Jane Kamto had violated environmental and settlement laws and that the whole structure design approved by the county government had been replaced without approval.
The County government said that they will approve the new construction designs after the matter has been resolved and a new permit has been sought by the contractor.
Mr Biwott said that the contractor will have to adhere to all national and county governments laws before proceeding with the project.
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