Tourism stakeholders and conservationists in Kilifi County have called for immediate action against investors who construct illegally on the beaches within protected areas.

This follows the recent tragedy where a construction worker died and several others sustained serious injuries when a section of a five storey building collapsed in the Twiga area of Watamu.

The stakeholders mainly from Malindi and Watamu said there is a mushrooming of high-rise buildings under construction on the beaches.

Rita Valentini an Italian conservationist who lives in Malindi said the tragedy at Twiga Beach Resort was a disaster in waiting.

“This being one of the most beautiful beaches in the Kenyan Coast, everyone knew yet no one acted; today Kenya is enjoying growing International credibility and is attracting investment thanks also to Italy’s Mattei Plan and support from the European partners,” she said.

Valentini said there was need for authorities to fully accept the responsibilities accorded to them.

She said investors who observe the laws must be protected while those who seek to build illegally must be stopped.

“The Malindi Coastal area with its extraordinary marine and natural heritage includes sites internationally recognized by UNESCO for the outstanding Universe value It deserves to be protected and respected,” she said.

The Conservationist said public authorities are key in ensuring they safeguard the natural heritage.

She said the authorities have failed to answer key questions on who authorized such illegal developments that are a major environmental threat to tourism.

“Protecting the environment, upholding the rule of law and stopping illegal developments are no longer matters of choice; they are essential if we want to prevent tragedies like this from happening again,” she said.

 The luxurious five storey building under construction at Twiga beach in Watamu Collapsed on Monday afternoon.

 Government authorities visited the site and said investigations have begun to establish circumstances that led to the disaster.

The   controversial building is reportedly being built within the 60 meters from the high-water mark which is illegal but the Investor allegedly got approvals for the construction despite protests from community and conservationists.

A spotcheck along the building still under construction showed there were cracks which were a threat not only to the construction workers but even tourists who will occupy it once its complete.