This archive report was first published on 12 July 2019.
Residents of Asian Quarters estate in Nyeri Town are facing a new challenge after the county government announced plans to set up a mega bus terminus at the site of a former dumpsite. The estate, which is home to mostly middle-income families, had been relieved of the stench from the garbage after the dumpsite was relocated 10 years ago.
However, the residents are now worried about the safety of their homes as the construction of the bus terminus has kicked off. Former Nyeri Town MP Esther Murugi, who is also a resident of the estate, noted that the homeowners were concerned about their safety. 'We are not opposed to the project, it is a good initiative. However, we want the county to consider our views and assist us to keep our neighbourhood intact and safe,' she said.
Ms Murugi stated that being located near the terminus would lead to increased number of trespassers and traffic jam in the neighbourhood. The residents have proposed turning their estate into a gated community, and had held a meeting with the county to discuss the issue. However, they are still in limbo as to the way forward.
County Executive for Infrastructure and Urban Planning Kwai Wanjaria said they had met with the residents and agreed to their requests to make the estate a gated community and put up barriers around the homes. 'They were concerned that we might be changing the name from Asian Quarters but we assured them that that is not the case,' he said.
Mr Wanjaria added that the estate's residents had been invited to be part of the project oversight committee.
