Mombasa limits pre-mixed concrete rule to cramped building sites ahead of El Nino rains
Written on
Mombasa County has clarified that its directive on pre-mixed concrete applies only to construction sites without enough space to mix on site, while maintaining a ban on building materials spilling onto roads and walkways.
Mombasa County has clarified that its directive on the use of pre-mixed concrete at construction sites does not apply to all developers, limiting the requirement to sites where there is not enough space within the plot to mix concrete.
The clarification was issued by the county's Department of Lands, Urban Planning, Housing and Serikali Mtaani following an earlier directive by Governor Abdullswamad Nassir on concrete mixing at construction sites. In a public notice, the County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Urban Planning, Housing and Serikali Mtaani, Mohamed Hussein, said only sites with inadequate working space would be required to obtain pre-mixed concrete.
"Only construction sites with inadequate space to undertake concrete mixing within the boundaries of the respective plot are required to use pre-mixed concrete," Mohamed said. The clarification means sites with sufficient space within their plots are not automatically required to use pre-mixed concrete, provided they comply with the county's requirements on where construction activities and materials can be handled.
The county maintained its restrictions on the use of public spaces by construction teams, particularly as Mombasa prepares for the anticipated El Nino rains. "Strictly, no dumping, mixing, storage or placement of construction materials shall be permitted on road reserves, walkways or any other public spaces, particularly in preparation for the anticipated El Nino rains," Mohamed said. He directed developers and contractors to keep all construction-related activities and materials within their respective properties.
The county's clarification therefore separates the pre-mixed concrete requirement from the wider prohibition against construction activities spilling into public spaces. Developers working on plots with limited space will have to use pre-mixed concrete to avoid carrying out mixing activities outside their properties, while those with sufficient space can mix concrete within their plots but must still ensure materials do not occupy roads, pavements or other public areas.
The directive comes as the county prepares for possible disruption associated with heavy rainfall. Construction materials placed along roads and walkways can obstruct pedestrian movement and interfere with drainage infrastructure, particularly during periods of intense rainfall. Mombasa experiences flooding during heavy rains, with blocked drainage channels and poor waste disposal among the issues that have complicated efforts to manage stormwater in parts of the county.
The county has been undertaking measures to improve drainage ahead of the rainy season while urging residents and businesses to avoid activities that could obstruct water flow. Mohamed warned that the requirements apply to all developers, property owners and contractors undertaking construction work in the county. "All developers, property owners and contractors are required to comply with this directive. Any violation shall attract appropriate enforcement action," he said.