Nema issues licence for Sh600 million Nyeri project

The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) has finally approved the ongoing Sh600 million Asian Quarters Bus Termini project in Nyeri County.

The fate of the project has been hanging in the balance since construction work started without Nema's approval and an environmental impact assessment (EIA) licence.

Last month, Nema's compliance and enforcement officer, Marrian Kioko, addressed a public forum to hear views from locals after the submission of an EIA report.

“We received the EIA report from Nyeri County before they started the project but there was a delay in approval; we shall eventually make a final assessment and recommendation on the report,” she said.

Ms Kioko said part of the process was for Nema to undertake public participation on the project and get views on the environmental impact.

Last week, the environmental watchdog issued the EIA licence and allowed the construction of the project, which is 60 per cent complete, to continue.

The Asian Quarters Bus Termini is jointly funded by the World Bank and the Nyeri County Government to the tune Sh600 million.

It will comprise 1,000 business stalls, 300 matatu bus parking bays, an open air market, a garage, and parking bays for taxis and lorries.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga welcomed Nema's move, noting that the project would decongest Nyeri town, reduce traffic jams, and result in economic development and expansion of the town.