This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
July 2, 2019
Mombasa Nema Director Under Fire for Inaction on Garbage Dump ¶
Coast regional coordinator John Elungata has demanded immediate answers from Mombasa National Environment Management Authority (Nema) director Stephen Wambua over the illegal dumping of garbage in the port city.
Elungata, who addressed departmental heads in his Uhuru na Kazi offices in Mombasa, accused Wambua of laxity and ineffectiveness for failing to enforce the law and close down the illegal VOK dumpsite, which poses a health hazard to residents.
Despite Mombasa county government being directed to close the dumping site with immediate effect following public outcry, heaps of garbage remain at the site.
Wambua has been accused of being close to Nema director general Geoffrey Wahugu and collecting millions from foreign and local investors to facilitate certificate issuance.
Environmentalists, including members of Clean Mombasa CBO, have persistently called on Mombasa county government and Nema to close down the VOK dumpsite, citing its location within a residential area.
Residents living around the site have complained of various health problems, including skin diseases and chest pains, as a result of pollution caused by heaps of garbage encroaching into their houses and the busy highway.
"This dark smelly smoke from this dump site is killing us. Let our government come and help us because we are suffering," said Anna Katana, a resident.
