Trader wants police houses demolished

By Willis Oketch

A businessman in Mombasa has sued the Government for invading his prime plot in Changamwe to build houses.

Ashok Doshi says the Government seized the parcel of land he legally acquired to build houses for Administration Police following the establishment of the new Changamwe District.

He has gone to court seeking orders to force the Government to stop the construction of houses and demolish already completed buildings to allow him to re-occupy the land.

The businessman, who is the managing director of Patria Properties, says on March 5, 2010, employees of Ministry of Public Works took charge of the property against his wish.

He said efforts to get rid of the Provincial Administration from the plot hit a snag forcing him to seek protection of the court.

Doshi, who is represented by lawyer Samson Okongo, wants the court to order the Provincial Administration to vacate the land and clear the debris after demolishing houses that are already complete.

“I am the registered owner of LR No. MN/VI/3835 in Mombasa municipality with a lease of 99 years,” said Doshi.

“The construction of the said structures is now complete and the same have been occupied by Administration Police,” said Doshi.

seeking compensation

He says their continued stay on the plot was depriving him of enjoyment of his property, which made him suffer serious losses.

“The Provincial Administration entered my land without permission and commenced construction without my consent,” said Doshi.
He is seeking compensation if the court cannot order for the eviction.

The Government has been constructing houses for police officers across the country.