KISUMU: The stench from Kachok dump site, situated within the CBD, will remain a part of the city for a while longer after the intended Sh800 million relocation to Kibigori site was rejected.
The county government spent Sh50 million to purchase the 50-acre piece of land but residents of Kabar in Muhoroni sub-county, where the new landfill is to be situated, have opposed the move.
They cited possible negative environmental impact saying an Environmental Impact Assessment of the dump site’s effect on local water sources had not been undertaken by the county government prior to the plan.
Former Cabinet Minister, Onyango Midika, also a Muhoroni resident, led a section of Kibigori residents in condemning the county government in what he termed as “disrespect of the resident’s rights”.
EYE SORE
Mr Midika claimed that despite the possibility of the dump site being an environmental hazard, there was no public participation to enable the county administration and the local residents reach a consensus.
He expressed fear that if not well handled, the facility may pose a major environmental threat to water resources and cause other forms of pollution which would make the environment unfit for residents.
“We already have industries emitting waste in Muhoroni and we fear the dump site will further choke the environment. We have not declined to have the facility situated here, we only want the county government to involve residents in their planning,” he said.
Kisumu City Manager Doris Ombara expressed disappointment with those opposed to the project saying the issue of possible negative environmental impact is unfounded.
Ms Ombara said several studies have been done and the report approved by relevant government agencies on the safety of the facility at the proposed site.
She took issue with a section of area leaders who she accused of inciting residents without seeking the right information.
“The garbage from Kachok will not get to the area as they are claiming. The Kachok dump site content will be recycled and separated before it is sold to relevant factories,” she said.
Solid waste has, for a very long time, been a major concern for the county and has had an impact on sustainable development in the entire Lake Victoria region.
The proximity of Kachok dump site to the city centre has made it an eyesore, a security threat, due to the presence of street families, and the choking smell continues to affect businesses.
