Machakos Governor Dr Alfred Mutua has threatened to close factories in Mlolongo dumping their waste in Athi River.
According to a statement issued by the governor, the waste released to Nairobi River, which is a main tributary to Athi River has endangered the people of Machakos who depend on the river as a source of water.
“I give companies in Machakos County, especially in Mavoko area, up to end of this month to ensure they have complied fully with environmental regulations and are not dumping into the river. From next week, we will shut them down,” read the statement in part.
The governor also promised to hold talks with his counterparts in Nairobi and Kiambu counties to conduct a crackdown on similar firms releasing waste into the same river.
‘‘I will consult with Governors Mike Sonko (Nairobi) and Ferdinand Waititu (Kiambu) to have such industries closed if they don’t comply with proper management of waste even if it means seeking legal re-dress,” said Dr Mutua.
Read: Governor Mutua, Kisii DG Escape Unhurt After Bridge Collapsed While Taking Selfies
The governor also spoke about the issue during a meeting on the construction of Thwake Multipurpose Dam at the confluence of rivers Thwake and Athi in Makueni and Kitui counties. In attendance was Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana and Kitui counterpart Charity Ngilu.
Approximately 1.3 million people from the Lower Eastern Region are expected to benefit from the dam which will also be the main a source of water for the proposed Konza Technocity.
Preliminary works for the project have already started after the government signed a deal last year with the contractor, China Gezhouba Group.
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