The National Assembly Transport, Public Works and Housing Committee has put the National Construction Authority (NCA) on spot for allegedly failing to tame errand building Contractors.
Led by Starehe MP Maina Kamanda, members of the Committee questioned NCA's eligibility in handling construction and housing matters, after the Authority told them that at least 640 buildings in Nairobi, especially Eastlands part of the County, were unsafe for occupation and so, should be demolished.
NCA Chief Executive Daniel Manduku however defended the Authority, saying they lack powers to prosecute such contractors and owners of substandard structures.
Appearing before the Committee, Tuesday, Manduku said some of the houses that have been deemed insecure for occupation lack ventilation, proper sewerage systems and proper stairs, but can be renovated and tenants allowed to occupy.
He on Tuesday said NCA had gone ahead and notified the owners, and warned that a crackdown to tame substandard buildings across the Capital City, will go-on.
The Committee agreed to ensure proper laws are amended and enacted to give the Authority prosecution powers.
MPs said this will enable NCA prosecute contractors and owners of buildings deemed substandard.
Huruma, Thika Road, Pipeline and Umoja are some of the residential areas where substandard buildings have been identified for demolition.