This archive report was first published on 5 January 2020.
As I traveled through Migori, Kisii, and Bomet counties, I was struck by the sight of young men eking out a living washing cars by the roadside. While I commend their entrepreneurial spirit, I was equally disturbed by the manner in which they have been allowed to discharge affluent waste and chemicals into the roads.
These chemicals have contributed to the speedy deterioration of our roads, as strong soapy liquid rapidly dissolves the tar, causing the road surface to disintegrate. The earnings from these businesses cannot compensate for the extensive damage they cause.
Moreover, the toxic matter finds its way downstream, contaminating our water systems and posing a significant health risk to locals, particularly those who depend on stream water branching from local rivers. Chronic intestinal problems on the rise can be attributed to the consumption of contaminated raw water.
As you enter Kisii town, near Gusii polytechnic, you are greeted by huge gullies created by heavy discharge of water from a nearby car wash. Not only are they destroying roads but vehicles are dented and traffic is halted, as motorists skillfully navigate their vehicles on the huge potholes.
I am appealing to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and other stakeholders to force car wash points to ensure they streamline their discharge responsibly. Those discharging dirt and chemicals on our roads and into our water systems must be held accountable.
It is time for the authorities to regulate this business and ensure that those responsible are arraigned in court and charged accordingly.
Letter to the Editor from Nyatado Odhes, Migori
