Watamu residents have given their consent to a group of investors to build Palm Exotjca, a 61-floor mixed-use development highrise resort along Turtle Bay Road, Dabaso, Kilifi County. The 370-meter project has faced various concerns from locals as well as environmental authorities. Moreover, Tourism CS Najib Balala had earlier expressed his concerns about constructing the megastructure near the beach.
Designed by Italian architect Lorenzo Pagnini, Palm Exotica will be developed by New York and South Africa investors and Italian billionaire Franco Rosco. It will host residential suites, a 24-hour casino, Presidential suites, studios, a retail mall, a nightclub, a theatre and a cinema, a wellness spa, a children’s play area, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and a five-star hotel.
SEE ALSO: Watamu to Host The Palm Exotica, the Tallest Skyscraper in Africa
Construction experts and Watamu residents had earlier aired their objections on setting up the structure arguing that the 4-acre space designated for the building is too small. At the same time, many think it is impossible to construct such a structure near the sea, mangrove lagoon and shallow aquifers.
The National Environment Management Authority in a notice on local dailies says it has received an environmental assessment study report for the proposed project and on 3rd October held a public hearing meeting saying this will assist the Authority in the decision-making process on whether to give approval for the project or not.
The structure, upon completion, will be one of the tallest buildings in Kenya and Africa.
