Westgate mall set to begin new life after bloody terrorist attack
Westgate shopping mall in set to reopen on July 1, 2015, almost two years after the bloody terrorist attack by Al-Shabaab militants that left 60 people dead.
Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero visited the shopping mall on Monday to check on the progress of reconstruction work.
The contractors assured the governor that they will meet the target of reopening on July 1, 2015.
“I am happy that the front entrance of the mall is set for opening on the 1st of July this year. The back of the mall, which is currently undergoing construction, will be opened at the end of the year. The building is set for full occupation in 2016,” said Kidero in a statement.
Kidero was accompanied by the County Executive for Lands and Physical Planning Tom Odongo and County Executive roads and Transport Mohamed Abdulahi during the tour.
THREE DAYS SIEGE
Westgate mall was attacked by terrorists on September 21, 2013 in a three days siege that left over 60 people dead.
The high-end mall used to be frequented by diplomats and expatriates.
Nakumatt Holdings, anchor tenant at the mall, have said their space is yet to be fully repaired
Managing Director Atul Shah said the supermarket will wait longer for its space to be renovated and will not be among the first tenants to re-open.
Artcaffe, a high-end coffee shop that operated from the first floor of the mall, is among businesses expected to re-open after the first phase of renovation.