NSSF Adjusts Hazina Tower Plan Over Safety Concerns

In news that is likely to disappoint lovers of skyscrapers, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has more than halved the proposed height of its upcoming Hazina Trade Centre in Nairobi in what seems to be a compromise based on safety concerns by the government.

The Sh6.7 billion project, which involves the construction of a 39-storey tower atop the eight-storey Hazina Trade Centre on Mokhtar Daddah and Monrovia streets, was suspended last year after it emerged that it would be unsafe to move forward with the venture.

A report by the Ministry of Public Works indicated that it would be unsafe to go beyond 25 floors since the existing structure beams cannot support a building of that magnitude.

Based on that shocking report, the NSSF applied brakes on the project which had by then risen to 15 floors to seek a second opinion from the ministry and other stakeholders.

The NSSF now says that after considering other options, including reinforcement of the beams, it has decided to complete the building at its current height.

“We have decided to stop at the 15th floor and are currently waiting for approvals from the County Government so that we can complete it as it is,” Anthony Munyi, an NSSF trustee, said during the fund’s annual general meeting in Nairobi last week.

While completing the building at the current level will be a great thing to do considering the controversies, it will be sad to note that the bespoke design of the skyscraper will not be achieved – leaving the city centre with yet another plain-looking structure.

The original design of the building, which is being constructed by China Jiangxi International-Kenya, was inspired by the outline of a Maasai Moran standing with a crossed leg and leaning on his spear – a great architecture that would further beautify the Nairobi skyline.

RELATED: Ugly Scuffle That Killed Hazina Trade Centre Dream

The Hazina Trade Tower project has been controversial since its July 2013 commissioning. It was suspended just two weeks after the groundbreaking due to allegations that the tender process favoured Chinese companies over local firms.

Days after the project was stopped, then Nairobi governor Evans Kidero asked the developer to obtain a fresh environmental impact assessment report from Nema. Dr Kidero argued that the project would be a nightmare for motorists in Nairobi.

Nakumatt, a tenant of the Hazina Trade Centre, was also opposed to the project. The retailer moved to court to stop the project until 2023 when its 20-year lease is scheduled to expire.

The firm said construction was interfering with its business by dumping construction material waste and installing heavy machinery and causing what it termed as an “unprecedented nuisance” to the Nakumatt Lifestyle shoppers.

The retail chain, which is in serious financial trouble, is seeking compensation for the loss of business to its Lifestyle outlet, a case that is pending in court.

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