Gulfcap real estate creating sustainable waste management for communities.
GulfCap Real Estate are developers of the KES 6 billion Buxton Point project creating a community with affordable housing. They have commissioned a new state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant worth KES 100 million set to have a capacity of 1000 cubic meters which will be ready early this year. The new plant seeks to solve Mombasa’s wastewater management difficulties by having this advanced facility to ensure safe water is available for the residents and clean water is sent back into the ocean.
This sustainable solution extends from the Buxton Point community to its neighbouring areas including the Coast General Hospital and the Kenya Medical Training Institute. This new sewage plant stems from GulfCap Real Estate’s dedication to environmental, social and governance principles as well as the United Nations sustainable development goals.
There are legal principles in place to ensure that there are good waste management strategies available for all residents. The Constitution of Kenya 2010, under Article 43 establishes the right to clean and safe water which is further reiterated under Section 63 of the Water Act. This ensures that there are at least basic sewage plants available for citizens to enjoy this right. However, residents in Mombasa have struggled to enjoy this right as they relied on outdated measures of waste management leaving them more susceptible to contaminated water. GulfCap’s new plant will bring hope to the residents of the Buxton Point project as well as their neighbours.
The Sustainable Waste Management Act looks further into the regulations surrounding this issue. Section 26 of the Act allows the Authority to monitor private entities carrying out projects that fall under the ambit of waste management. They can also investigate such entities to ensure compliance with the national standards created by this Act. This means that GulfCap must ensure that their new plant is up to the standards of the Act and meets all the obligations required by them.
GulfCap may also be required to prepare reports on their performance once they begin operations. This will allow the Authority to evaluate them to ensure they are not violating their obligations. If they fail to comply with the Authority, they will have committed an offence under the Act and shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one million shillings or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or both.
Overall, the new sewage treatment plant will bring joy to residents in the area who rely on orthodox septic and soak pits. There has always been a critical need for new systems to be created for the sanitary needs of the residents and this new plant promises a safer avenue for them. GulfCap has a big responsibility to ensure its plant does what it promises as all residents’ eyes are on it. They must comply with the laws and regulations on sustainable waste management to ensure their plant gets up and running and thus create an example of a high-quality waste management system for any future project on the same.
Disclaimer:
The goal of this write-up is to foster an open exchange of ideas and perspectives related to the topic. It is intended to encourage dialogue and invite comments from readers. The information presented should not be construed as legal advice or a definitive position on the matter, and individuals should seek professional legal counsel for specific situations or concern.
