Community split over lead factory in Naivasha

The newly opened Eco Solution battery assembly plant in Nyamathi Naivasha which has split area residents over its operations. Some residents are for the plant while a group of experts have dismissed a NEMA report that sanctioned the lead smelting factory. [Pix By Antony Gitonga/STANDARD]

Nakuru,Kenya: The opening of a multi-million battery assembly factory in Naivasha has split residents in the backdrop of reports of the negative effects of lead in a community in Mombasa.

Residents of Nyamathi where the factory is located have fallen out with technocrats over the lead smelting company.

On one hand, a group of residents and workers in Eco-Solutions Company have thrown their weight behind the factory that started operations early in the year. On the other, a group of environmentalists and traders in Naivasha have questioned the operations of the company and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) done by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

Addressing the press in the factory, James Kabono, one of the area leaders, said area residents were better placed to understand if the company was polluting the area or not.

He said the company had their full backing as it had offered employment to tens of youths and called on those opposed to it to keep off.

The sentiments were echoed by Ferdinand Shiamba, one of the workers, who said there were many battery assembly plants in the country and wondered why the interest in the Naivasha one.

Offer jobs

"We are working as a family here and in case we have any problems we can address them internally as this factory offers jobs and bread to tens of families," he said.

The company CEO UJ Ganesh questioned the motive of those questioning the factory which kicked off its operations a few months ago.

"We have the full authorisation of the Government and we are perturbed by the motive of those seeking to have this factory closed down after just two months in operation," he said.

However, a group of experts led by the Executive Director of Centre for Environmental Action Karanja Njoroge questioned the operations of the company

Prof Njoroge termed as wanting and shoddy an EIA report by NEMA noting that he had raised concern with the environmental body over the company but no action had been taken.

"The smelting of lead has been taken over by a cartel of traders with the support of some Government officers despite the high risk and danger involved," he said.

Lake Naivasha management board Chairman Ndirangu Mbau said effluent from the company could be washed into Lake Naivasha leading to an ecological disaster.

The two were supported by Centre for Pastoralists Development Chairman Andrew Korinko who termed the factory as a threat to human life, livestock and vegetation.

"We have written several letters to NEMA and the county government but no action has been taken against this battery company," he said.