Mombasa governor hopeful Hezron Awiti (center) joins women in a dance at a past event. [Photo/ the-star.co.ke]
Mombasa Governor hopeful Hezron Awiti has pledged to eradicate slums and construct modern and affordable houses for locals if elected on August 8.
Awiti said he will eradicate slums and establish modern housing units for locals within 100 days of his term if elected.In an interview with the People Daily on Thursday, Awiti said the housing condition in the county is in pathetic state.He observed majority of residents are living in poor housing structures a situation he said goes against their constitutional right to better housing.“One of the key agenda I have for Mombasa people is to eradicate slums and provide them with modern and affordable housing structures,” he said as quoted by the daily.Awiti noted that demand for housing is high in Mombasa and has led to mushrooming of informal settlements. The governor hopeful hit out at Governor Hassan Joho’s government accusing it of failing to provide quality housing for locals.The Nyali MP said Mombasa’s population has been increasing in the recent years resulting to slums. He said he will woo investors to set up cheaper and quality housing for locals.Awiti also pledged to improve the county’s road infrastructure and tackle the problem of drainage. He urged locals to support his bid, saying he is the best candidate for the top seat.He is seeking to unseat Joho on a Vibrant Democratic Party (VDP) ticket.Others in the race to oust Joho are businessman Suleiman Shahbal contesting on a Jubilee ticket and Senator Hassan Omar vying on a Wiper ticket.