Kibos Sugar Factory has been put on the spot for allegedly polluting the Lake Victoria waters.
The area residents have complained that the factory has been discharging effluent to the River Kibos in the past one month.
“Our effort to have the matter addressed by both the national and county governments have failed while we continue to suffer from the pungent smell and the contaminated water which poses a serious risk to our health and that of our animals,” said Mr. John Okello, a resident.
Environment CS Keriako Tobiko in his efforts to address the matter has however assured the residents that stern measures will be taken against the factory.
“Time is up for those who think that they are untouchable; no one will be spared,” the CS said during his tour of the region last week.
Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o in his remarks requested for measures to be taken to solve the issue once and for all as the factory has been facing challenges in handling its waste.
“The truth of the matter is that they have been creating too many excuses and in the meantime residents, aquatic life and the environment is suffering,” he said.
Investigations have been launched to establish if the company has been releasing the toxic chemicals to river Kibos which not only serves the area residents with water for domestic use but also drains into Lake Victoria.
“We have gone to their premises on many occasions and have found out that inadequately treated effluent is finding its way into River Kibos, which is causing devastating effects downstream,” said Mr. Orimba.
Mr. George Otieno, a neighbor to the factory, attested that the company had neglected its duty to adhere to proper waste disposal standards.
“The release of toxic chemicals has affected institutions like Kibos Primary School, Kibos Prison and Kibos School for the Blind which rely on the water for different uses,” said Mr. Otieno.
The sugar company has been given a three-month ultimatum by Muhoroni MP Onyango Koyoo to either relocate from the area or put in place proper population mitigation measures and also probed over workers poor working conditions.
“You either shape up or ship out. It is the company to move out if they cannot work within the laws to protect the well-being of locals,” Mr. Koyoo said.
Source: https://www.nation.co.ke/business/996-4996792-1437dlz/index.html
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