The Lake Basin Development Authority Board (LBDA) has called for a speedy probe in the construction of its mall (now completed) in Kisumu.
The mall which was constructed at a cost Sh4.2 billion, has since seen the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) launch investigations over possible cost inflation.
Led by Chair Calvince Odoyo Owidi, the board wants the probe sped up on grounds that the delay in opening is amounting to negative publicity, weeks after locals held demos over the delayed opening of the mall.
In a press conference on Wednesday, he warned that there is need for the mall to come to full operations and benefit the people and the government of Kenya.
“Constant negative publicity is the single greatest reason why the occupation of the mall is slow thus the need to speed up the investigations,” he said.
He added that only a portion of the construction cost has been paid to the contractor, with the remainder continuing to accrue interest as the probe drags on.
He said that the extra cost will ultimately land on the taxpayer's shoulder, which should be avoided by opening it the soonest possible.
"The cost of building the mall was Sh4.2 billion. LBDA had paid the developer Erdemann Property Limited Sh3.6b so the balance is attracting interests very fast,” he added.