Nema Issues Dumping Alert

Aggrey Mutambo

16 June 2011

Nairobi — Nairobi residents found disposing refuse in inappropriate dumpsites will be arrested and prosecuted, an environmental agency has warned.

The National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) is also cautioning those who employ the services of unregistered garbage collectors to stop doing so because it is illegal.

Nema acting Director General Benjamin Lagwen ordered the closure of the Mukuru Kwa Njenga dumpsite, which he said had not been designated for garbage disposal.

“The authority takes this opportunity to warn members of the public that dumping at this area is illegal and the dumpsite has hence been closed,” he said Thursday.

The site, which was originally an abandoned quarry, measures up to three acres in size. According to area Chief Samwel Waithaka, area residents had initially wanted to fill it up because it used to stagnate water.

“It is now too full, but some garbage collectors still come late at night to dump more on it,” he said.

Nema has been trying to stop people from disposing refuse there arguing that this could be a health hazard to nearby residents. Two weeks ago, the authority arrested a lorry ferrying garbage to the area upon which the occupants were arraigned in court.

Mr Legwen blamed those who seek the services of the unregistered collectors saying it helps them to continue dumping rubbish illegally.

The authority said it would collaborate with the Nairobi City Council to make sure culprits are nailed.

Normally, garbage collectors obtain licences of operation from Nema and the local authority within which they offer services. However, in Nairobi, most operate without any of these documents.

Under the Environmental Management and Coordination Act of 1999, anyone found dumping refuse at an unauthorised place can be fined up to one million shillings or be jailed for a term not less than two years.

In the meantime, the closed dumpsite will be manned by a committee of local residents under the leadership of the chief. The government plans to build low-cost houses on the plot.

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