The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) yesterday held a public hearing on the proposed construction of a liquid petroleum gas terminal in Kipevu, Changamwe.

The public forum which was headed by the Mombasa County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo was attended by representatives of different government institutions, experts, members of the public and civil society  .

Mombasa County Assembly speaker Aharub Khatri was also present.

The proposed construction of the 30,000 metric tonnes common user liquefied petroleum gas terminal, a project of the Focus/ Interperl container freight station will cost  US dollars 60 million.

Focus/Interpel Container Freight Stations [CFS] chairman Faisal Abbas said after Environment Management Authority (NEMA] approval and its completion the project will create employment opportunities for local residents.

He said the project will create employment opportunities both during its construction and upon its completion and operation.

"We are likely to employ almost 600 local residents at the site during the construction process before its completion before the 2022 general election," he pointed out.

Abbas said both companies have enough land to put up the facility without evicting the local residents.Members of the public and the civil society raised their opinion about the project with some supporting while others opposing. 

On his part speaker Aharub kahtri called on the members of public to approach the issue with sober mind and think about it before presenting their views.

"I;m not here to support or oppose the project, i'm only here to represent the county assembly but what i would like to emphasize to you is to take this thing seriously and be sober so as not to regret later" said Aharub

The Focus/Interpel chairman refuted claims he had shifted business from CFSs to the liquefied petroleum gas terminal as a result of the government decision to transport all cargo and goods out of the port of Mombasa using the standard gauge railway.

Faisal said the management came up with the project in line with President Uhuru Kenyatta's big four agenda for the country to have a conduce environment for the youths.

He assured the region's residents the project will end monopoly of gas supply and ensure a healthy competition in the business.

‘’Let me make it clear that the management has taken enough precautions on safety matters before and during the operation of the facility," he pointed out.

NEMA is expected to present a full report depending on the views from all the parties including members of the public who live within the area after 14 days. Among the issues raised by the members of public were safety issues and fear of eviction.