Amu Power Chief Operating Officer Cyrus Kirima says they are working closely with the National Land Commission (NLC) to ensure the process is smooth and completed within the given time frame.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 18 – The Amu Power Company is optimistic that it will get the Title Deed for the land to be used for the construction of the 981.5 Megawatts coal project by the end of October.
The company, formed through a joint venture between Gulf Energy and Centum Investment, requires at least 870 acres of land in Lamu County for the construction of the coal plant.
Amu Power Chief Operating Officer Cyrus Kirima says they are working closely with the National Land Commission (NLC) to ensure the process is smooth and completed within the given time frame.
“The project will sit in about 880 acres of land. The Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) will comprehensively address the resettlement process. Education and sensitization of the project affected persons (PAPs) has been ongoing. The development of the power plant is currently on schedule and there are no delays arising from any aspects,” Kirima said during the company’s update on the project on Friday.
Valuation and taxation Director at the National Land Commission Salome Munubi says the commission is waiting for the RAP consultations report that will give the actual number of people to be compensated as well as resettlement options, either other land or cash.
“We cannot give figures or numbers now. But I can assure you that by 30th October all these will be done. We have met the residents, the county leaders and generally there is a consensus towards this project because it is for the Lamu County, it is for the Republic of Kenya and it is all for the good,” she said.
The company has already completed the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment study which is at the moment being reviewed and later to be handed to the National Environment management Authority (NEMA) for approval next month.
If all goes as planned, Amu Power plans to kick off construction of the plant on December 7, 2015.
The firm was awarded the tender a year ago to set up the power plant following a call for bids by the Government of Kenya for a private developer to build, own and operate a 1050MW coal-fired thermal power plant in Lamu.
It will be the largest private sector led infrastructure project in East and Central Africa, and is expected to be operational within 42 months of construction.
