BY SHADRACK NYAKOE
A private developer has diverted a section of Mathare River to construct a swimming pool.
The owners of Baitul Hikma International School have allegedly diverted Mathare River to the riparian areas.
According to a tip off from the area residents, it was established that the river has been rerouted to pave way for the construction of the school’s swimming pool.
“This swimming pool is being constructed by Hikma Baitul Integrated International School on Mathare River who operate from a house at L.R 209/7547-City Park Drive. The river has been diverted to run on the riparian side of Muthaiga estate,” said one of the area residents.
The school is set up between residential houses along Taza Lane.
It also operates on a piece of land less than ¼ an acre, the reason for the illegal construction of the swimming pool on Mathare River.
Sources said two levels of buildings have been added with no authority from the County Government, NEMA or National Construction Authority.
Some children aged 10 years and below are now being accommodated as boarders in the school which has no approved learning facilities.
It is believed the license to operate the school was given on the influence of a sitting Nominated Member of Parliament whose father is a relative and a close friend of Nairobi Members of County Assembly Fuad Hussein and his South C counterpart Abass Khalif.
A sitting Cabinet Secretary reportedly influenced the decision.