National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has been ordered to crack whip on firms and individuals intoxicating water sources and wetlands in the country. – By Ramadhan Kambi.
According to Environment Cabinet Secretary (CS) Keriako Tobiko, there has been massive pollution in several water catchment areas including River Sabaki in Malindi, Kilifi County.
The CS was speaking at the Sabaki estuary in Magarini during the celebration of World Wetland Day.
He said that River Sabaki has turned into dark green due to pollution while that of the Indian Ocean is blue indicating there are serious degradation and pollution upstream.
”To NEMA, the directive by President Uhuru Kenyatta over the protection of our environment is very clear. So you have to act tough on all kind of environmental polluters,” he said.
“Take action against all corporates, individuals and entities that pour toxic and untreated wastes into our river,” he said.
During the World Wetland Day celebrations, those present include CAS Mohamed Elmy, Columbia Ambassador to Kenya Elizabeth Tailor Jay, NEMA board led by Chairman John Konchella, Director-General Geoffery Wahungu, senior ministry officials, NGOs, donors, Kilifi county commissioner among other local administrators.
The CS directed NEMA to review all the licences granted to the salt making companies and ensure it is known how they were renewed and whether there was public participation.
These after the salt firms in Magarini were accused of contributing to serious environmental degradation due to their activities together with companies and individuals along the Athi River all the way to Sabaki estuary.
Mr Tobiko said salt companies have destroyed the environment due to their activities including destroying freshwater sources that have now turned salty making it difficult for people to drink.
”There has to be an environmental and social impact assessment study you cannot just grant licences without Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Study Report,” he said adding “I would like to know those companies that were destroying trees and cause a negative impact on the environment.”
