Traders in Machakos Town on Monday morning breathed a sigh of relief after Governor Wavinya Ndeti intervened to stop the demolition of their shops which was already underway near Machakos Level 5 hospital.
Some of the traders said they had recently secured loans from their SACCOS to restock their shops in readiness for the peak Christmas season.
“I had taken a loan from my sacco and bought clothes to sell during the Christmas season but was shocked to hear we are supposed to vacate this place, “said Ms Cecilia Musyoka.
Several shops off the Machakos – Wote road had already been brought down with traders scampering to salvage their goods when area MCA Nicholas Nzioka made a phone call to Governor Ndeti who came to the traders rescue.
The Governor through the MCA made a directive to halt the demolitions to allow further consultations on the matter.
Earthmovers and County Inspectorate officers on site retreated after the directive from the governor.
The traders said they had been issued with a 48-hour notice by the County Government to vacate the area which is a road reserve.
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“I have spoken to the governor who has directed that the demolitions be stopped pending further consultations. The Governor has said you go back to your shops and continue with your businesses, “said Mr Nzioka.
Some of the traders including university students who have rented stalls at the premises said they depended on their businesses for upkeep and the demolitions were shocking.
They thanked the governor and the area MCA for the intervention.
More than 50 stalls supporting hundreds of households are affected.
By Stephen Muthini.
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