This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
Published on September 27, 2019, a Sh200 million project to replace asbestos roofing with corrugated iron sheets in Nakuru County has been put on hold by the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) due to health risks associated with the mineral.
The project, which aimed to replace asbestos roofing on county buildings, has been linked to forms of cancer and lung disease. However, the county defied an order from Nema to stop the project until official guidelines for removing and disposing asbestos roofing were adhered to.
Nema has since arrested the contractor and issued a warrant of arrest for Nakuru County lands and housing chief officer, Judyleah Waihenya, for defying the order.
According to Fred Kinambise, a Nema official, the county failed to conduct a public awareness campaign before embarking on the project. He also accused the county of not following official guidelines for removing and disposing asbestos roofing.
Residents of Kimathi Estate, where the project was being carried out, said they were not aware of the dangers posed by asbestos. They claimed that the roofs had been leaking and that their only plea was to have them replaced.
Local leaders have called for Nema and the county to work together to find a way forward on replacing the asbestos roofs.
However, county communications director, Beatrice Obwocha, said proper asbestos disposal measures have been put in place.
Related Topics: National Environmental Management Authority, Sh200 million project, Asbestos
