After nearly six years of opposition and debate, residents of Changamwe in Mombasa have finally approved the construction of a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) terminal. The decision was reached following extensive public participation and compliance by the project’s owners, Focus Container Freight Station, with all environmental and community demands.
Addressing Community Concerns
In 2018, residents protested against the terminal’s construction due to its proximity to residential areas and the potential risks involved. Cracks in houses caused by heavy construction machinery further fueled the opposition.
However, during a public participation forum held on Saturday, graced by Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor, residents expressed their satisfaction with relocating the project site 208 meters away from the originally proposed location.
“We were concerned about the safety of our homes and businesses, but we’re now confident that the changes made will benefit the community,” said Ibrahim Rasi, a representative for the youth and Chaani Youth FC.
Community Requests and CSR Initiatives
Residents also outlined their expectations for job opportunities and community benefits. Michael Nyamai, a local from Matangini, urged the company to provide cleaning service tenders and allow locals to sell food to construction workers.
Additionally, the community requested biannual medical camps as part of Focus CFS’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Karisa Safari, another resident, appreciated the assurance that no demolitions would occur and suggested training for small businesses in safety practices. Clement Mwakio advocated for the allocation of a 16-meter-wide parcel of land for community use as a goodwill gesture.
Company Assurances
Focus CFS Chairman Feisal Abbas reaffirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining a positive relationship with the community.
“We’ve learned valuable lessons, and this time, we aim for an even stronger collaboration. The project has been scaled down to a 15,000 metric tonne facility in line with safety recommendations from the National Environment Tribunal,” Abbas said.
He assured residents that local employment would be prioritized and that no evictions would take place, as the company has sufficient land for the terminal.
Authorities Commend Public Participation
County Commissioner Noor emphasized the importance of public participation in fostering peaceful coexistence between businesses and communities.
“The aim of forums like this is to ensure residents are well-informed about upcoming projects, enabling them to weigh the pros and cons before making decisions,” Noor said.
He challenged the project’s management to ensure that local residents benefit from job opportunities generated by the facility.
A New Chapter for Changamwe
The approval marks a significant milestone for the LPG terminal project and signals the potential for enhanced economic opportunities for the Changamwe community. With safety and community concerns addressed, the project is set to move forward, promising mutual benefits for all stakeholders.
