Kenya Launches Construction of ‘Silicon Savannah’ High Tech City

 

NAIROBI, Kenya – The much-awaited historic Konza Technology City, which is equated to the famous Silicon Valley in the United States, is now a reality after the official launch by Kenya President Mwai Kibaki on Wednesday.

This now opens gates for the developers and investors to start construction at the new city, dubbed Silicon Savannah, which is expected to brand the country as a global destination of choice for technology innovations.

The Kenya’s Silicon Valley, on the border of Makueni and Machakos counties, where the city will be constructed on a 5,000 acres piece of land, is located 60 Km South from Nairobi and 50 Km from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport; it is also 500Km from Mombasa and its ports.

Once completed, the KSh.850 billion project driven by the Ministry of Information and Communications is expected to attract investments to create over 20,000 direct jobs by the end of the year.

The components of the city include a business process outsourcing  park, science park, mega malls, convention center, data schools, world class hotels, international schools, world class hospitals, championship golf course, financial district, high speed mass transport system and residential housing among other high class developments.

 

 “I have directed that mushrooming of unplanned developments must stop and controlled developed should only be allowed in Konza City. Also in areas adjacent to the city and along Mombasa road. Konza city cannot stand alone, but should start and go with excellence and standards,” said President Kibaki during the ground breaking ceremony.

The government will facilitate the construction of both onsite and offsite infrastructure including roads, water and sewerage systems, energy and high-speed rail to make it more attractive, productive and habitable. While the private sector is expected to raise funds for developing the actual city.

The Economic Turning Point to Dangote for Cement Supply in TZ

Africa’s largest cement producer Dangote Cement is expected to supply Tanzania’s 1 million ton cement deficit from its expansion into the new market, a new report by the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) has disclosed.

Dangote Cement which is owned by Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, is currently constructing a new cement plant in the port city of Mtwara in Tanzania with a capacity of producing 1.5 million tons per annum.

The industrial location is sited with a good reserve of Limestone and Gypsum deposits, it is this time now where Tanzania will attract a sound investment opportunities in the sector, it also offers an ideal opportunity for Dangote Cement to venture and consolidate its operations in Eastern Africa. Site work has commenced for the green field Cement plant and is making steady progress towards timely commissioning in Q2 of 2015.

According to the acting Executive Director of TIC, Raymond Mbilinyi, remarked that when production begins at the Mtwara-based plant in a couple of years, the country’s deficit and growing demand for cement would be sufficiently met.

Mbilinyi added that “apart from creating employment, the factory will stimulate trade and create a multiplier rippling effect to the entire economy.”

The report states the new plant which would be in operation in 2015, is expected to create 400 new jobs.

Key Features

Name of the Plant             Dangote Industries (Tanzania) Ltd.

Location                           Mtwara, South Tanzania

Capacity                           1 x 3000 TPD of Clinker output

Raw Material Resources     Limestone & Gypsum

Raw Material Sources        Mtwara Mines and Other Sources

Power Source                    1 x 30 MW Gas Based Power Plant

Fuel Source                      Gas, Standby Grid

Cement Packing                3 Packing Machines of Capacity 2400 Bags/hr

Cement Loading                6 Truck Loaders

Dangote Cement is a cement manufacturing/importation, packaging and distribution company with operations in Nigeria, Benin and Ghana. The company operates the Obajana Cement Plant (OCP), the largest cement plant in Africa and leads in Africa with total existing production and import capacity of 14 million tonnes per annum and new production projects in development with 11.1 million tonnes per annum additional capacity.

Source: Dangote Cement & African Globe

The Comming Up Tanzanian's Tallest PSPF Commercial Twin Towers

This building and construction proposal was a winning design in a competition for design of a mixed urban development in the heart of Dar es Salaam City.

The two buildings with 35 floors each have been well designed to accommodate shopping facilities, residential apartments, luxury hotels, cinemas halls and office spaces for rental: all within a well serviced and ultra-modern complex known as PSPF Towers.

Dealing with Tenant Issues - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly!!

Real estate investors and property managers can improve their tenant relations by dealing with tenant issues quickly and fairly. Whether times are good or bad, the cost to re-let a vacant unit can frequently make it a far better investment to retain a tenant who pays their rent on time and is, in all other ways, a good tenant. Tenant issues can involve complaints on their part, or can require that the property manager or owner deal with the tenant's activities or payment patterns in a way that keeps things on track and rents paid.

The Good: If you have a tenant who is always on time or early with their rent payments, follows all the rules, and is a good property citizen, then you might want to show them that they are valued. Perhaps a coupon to a local restaurant or other small gift now and then would make them feel that they are appreciated. It could make the difference in keeping them when lease expiration rolls around. At the very least, jump right on their maintenance problems and handle their concerns with respect and interest.

The Bad: This could be a tenant who is a chronic complainer or one who annoys their neighbours on a regular basis. Or, they may pay the rent late frequently. For whatever reason, you will want to document all interaction with them. If there is a neighbour complaint, document it in writing and provide any warnings or other notices in writing as well. If the situation escalates to "the ugly," you'll want to have a record of all your communications with the problem tenant. Always act according to the terms of the lease, as the rules work both ways.

The Ugly: We've now reached the stage where the tenant is not paying rent, or their rule-breaking behaviour has become a huge problem. We have decided that we want them out of the unit and a new less troublesome tenant in the unit as soon as possible. Hopefully, you have thoroughly prepared for this eventuality with your attorney's guidance. Eviction is a relatively speedy process in most cases, but that speed is based on the landlord or owner doing everything right and in the correct time frame. 

1. Have you issued the proper notices to the tenant per your guiding principles and by-laws?
2. In most places, you cannot in any way disturb the property of the tenant, even if they have disappeared.
3. If there is no tenant to dispute eviction, or if they lose the dispute, then you will be granted an order of eviction by the court.
4. Normally, the order is served after notice by the local authority. Again, you cannot open the unit and remove their belongings on your own without having a warrant from the local authority.
5. Be sure to follow the letter of the lease and by-laws as to how any deposits will be handled, retained or refunded.

Dealing with tenant issues is part of the job of property manager or real estate investor/owner. Preparing for eviction with strong lease documents and the advice of an attorney will make the process run smoother. And, if they are a good tenant, find a way to make them feel appreciated. It could increase your return on investment a lot. From James Kimmons

Unfinished House is Looking for a Potential Developer in Mtwara

A fantastic two storey building is looking for a potential developer who wants to invest on a semi-finished residential property. The building is located at Shangani West and is close to Ocean Secondary School. The building is erected on a plot of 450 Sqm with approx. 50 metres from the newly developed Chuno road. Its Architectural designs are inspired by a true meaning of a modern urban generation especially for the young and middle aged professionals or people aspiring to be that who like the finer things in life. 

The interior design includes 2 lovely master bedrooms each with private toilet and bathroom, and spacious balcony for each room on the upper floor, and the ground floor is designed with 1 public toilet, kitchen, dining, living room and huge indoor garage, with ample space (6metres) left on the real side and 12 metres fronting the house for gardening and other outdoor amenities. This property can be used as an office/home or mainly executive residential house. Any questions are welcome!

 

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