Mountain View MCA puts hotels ‘next to gas stations’ on notice
Mountain View Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Maurice Ochieng says authorities have been asked to enforce a new regulation that seeks the closure of hotels operating close to petrol stations in Nairobi.
Ochieng who doubles up as the County Assembly Public Health Committee chairperson explained that the hotels pose a danger to the public.
“We’ve identified one near Ola petrol station in Westlands — a significant hotel project is underway. I have already taken action, shutting down some containers being used while awaiting construction. This is a tragedy waiting,” Ochieng told Nairobi News.
He pointed out that the application for the hotel near Ola petrol station was made by Ola Energy.
The politician noted the committee was in the process of profiling the number of hotels operating near petrol stations.
His statement comes days after Governor Johnson Sakaja issued a directive of a crackdown of gas filling points operating within a 200-meter radius of residential premises.
Speaking at City Hall, Sakaja reiterated the need for closures and instructed the county secretary to promptly address the remaining 100 plants located in residential areas.
“Regardless of NEMA and EPRA licenses, Nairobi County will not tolerate operations that jeopardize lives,” Sakaja emphasised.
Sakaja exposed a resident conducting gas refill services from inside their home in Buruburu estate, urging citizens to report similar illegal businesses endangering their communities.
“I received a message informing me someone was refilling gas cylinders inside his house in an estate in the Buruburu area. If something went wrong and an explosion happened, how many would die?” Sakaja posed.
The county boss condemned people defending the refilling plants, advising them to relocate the stations to industrial areas or any other commercial areas.
“You know the population residing along Kinyanjui Road and Kabwagi. People are refilling gases in there, very wrong,” he stated.
Also read: Last video of Monica Kimani hanging out with Jowie emerges online