Locals want dumpsite near homes closed

A health crisis is looming at Noonkopir village, where heaps of garbage continue to pile near residential houses. [Peterson Githaiga, Standard]

Residents of Noonkopir village want a dumpsite located within residential houses relocated.

In what could be a looming health crisis, locals have condemned poor management of solid waste that has now spilled over from the filled up dumpsite.

A perimeter wall put up around the three-acre waste yard three years ago has since collapsed yet private garbage collectors continue to dump garbage there, exposing the locals to diseases and unending pungent smell.

Two years ago, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) directed the county government to move the site away from the residential houses, but that has not been effected.

In a letter seen by The Standard, NEMA advised the county government to close the dumpsite and look for an alternative land.

Instead, the county chose to start an initiative known as Tamaka ni mali, a programme that trains local women on how to turn waste into an economic venture.

Garbage menace

"We are tired of waiting for the county government to act on this matter. They have been promising to do something for many years but nothing has been done so far," said Monicha Njeri, a resident.

Landlords around the area no longer have tenants as their houses have been abandoned. A number of home owners have also been forced to relocate due to the garbage menace.

The dumpsite serves the populous Kitengela town.

Michael Semera, the County Executive in charge of water and environment, says plans to clear the mess are underway.