There is trouble for Aliko Dangote’s new refinery project in Kenya.
The Malindi Environment and Land Court has ordered a halt to construction work on the proposed Dangote refinery in Lamu County.
The order was issued on September 25 but made public on Monday, September 29.
*Why Court Stopped Dangote*
According to Bloomberg, Justice Jane Onyango ruled that “the status quo prevailing” must be maintained until further hearing on October 14.
The suit was filed by farmers and residents of Chandavai community in Lamu County.
They accused Dangote Group and Kenyan authorities of:
– Forceful eviction from their lands
– Destruction of their properties
– No resettlement plan
– Failure to conduct Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
– No public participation as required by Kenya’s constitution
Lawyer to the petitioners, George Wakahiu, told Bloomberg that the ruling means no construction should begin until October 14.
*Dangote Group Reacts: “Court Did Not Stop Groundbreaking”*
In a swift reaction, Dangote Group in a statement on Tuesday said the court has not halted the groundbreaking ceremony.
“The court has not halted the groundbreaking ceremony of the refinery at this stage. However, activities at the site may be affected by the ruling, as both parties are required not to carry out activities until the case is heard on 14th October,” the company said.
The proposed refinery is a 700,000 barrels-per-day facility — bigger than the 650,000bpd refinery in Lekki, Lagos.
Kenyan President William Ruto had on Friday toured the Dangote Refinery in Lekki ahead of the September 30 groundbreaking in Lamu.
Ruto said his government had secured land for the project and was fast-tracking processes to avoid bureaucratic delays.
He described the refinery as a regional project that will create jobs and boost industrial activities in East Africa.
The case comes up again on October 14.
SOURCE: https://punchng.com/kenyan-court-halts-dangote-refinery-work-as-firm-says-groundbreaking-holds/
