Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has scheduled a meeting with civil society organisations amid ongoing legal disputes and public concerns over the Treasury Square Garden redevelopment project.
The consultation aims to allow representatives from the Coast Civil Society Network to raise their issues directly with the governor, following objections related to the project's approvals, environmental impact, and public space usage.
Concerns Raised by Civil Society
- Questions over whether the county government, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), National Construction Authority (NCA), and other relevant bodies granted all necessary permits.
- Potential harm to indigenous trees, including a notable Banyan tree, and bat habitats within the garden.
- Reduction of accessible recreational space for Mombasa Island residents, especially as other public gardens like Uhuru Gardens remain inaccessible due to construction.
- Lack of transparency regarding project details, developer identity, and public participation in decision-making.
The groups have sent multiple letters to county and national officials requesting information but have yet to receive responses, even as construction continues.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The dispute is currently before the Environment and Land Court, which has temporarily halted construction pending case resolution. Petitioners seek a permanent stop to building works, removal of existing structures, restoration of the garden, and a caveat on the land to prevent future development.
The court has set the hearing date for September 10 and is monitoring compliance with filing deadlines.
The county government views the upcoming meeting as an opportunity to clarify the project's status, address concerns, and decide on the way forward.
This engagement places Governor Nassir at the forefront of efforts to balance development ambitions with environmental protection and public interest in Mombasa.
