A Kenyan court has ordered a halt to construction work on the proposed Dangote refinery in Lamu County pending further proceedings, while Dangote Group maintains that the court order has not stopped the planned groundbreaking ceremony.
The Malindi Environment and Land Court issued the order following a petition by farmers and residents of Chandavai in Lamu County who opposed the project over alleged forced eviction and destruction of properties.
Bloom-berg reported on Monday that Justice Jane Onyango ordered the parties to maintain the existing status quo pending further directions on October 14.
Lawyer to the petitioners, George Wakahiu, told Bloom-berg that the order meant construction could not begin before the court’s next hearing.
The petitioners alleged that the refinery project would result in the forced eviction of residents from their land and the destruction of their properties without a resettlement plan.
They also alleged that Dangote and Kenyan authorities had not complied with environmental requirements mandating an environmental impact assessment before major projects could begin.
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The petitioners further argued that the project did not meet Kenya’s constitutional requirement for adequate public participation.
However, Reuters reported on Tuesday that Dangote Group said the court order had not stopped the planned groundbreaking ceremony for the refinery.
The proposed refinery is expected to form part of Kenya’s efforts to expand its petroleum refining capacity and strengthen regional fuel supply.
Kenyan President William Auto had earlier announced plans for the project after discussions with Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote.
The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for October 1, according to the reports.
The court is expected to issue further directions on the case on October 14.
Reuters
