Sigh of relief as council injects Sh750m to relocate offensive dumpsite

By Philip Ruto

Nakuru residents will not have to persevere the hazardous Gioto dumpsite.The local municipal council has announced a Sh750 million solid waste management project to relocate the dumpsite within a year.

The dumpsite on the Nakuru-Kabarak road will be relocated to Delamere Farm.

The facility will be constructed on a 50-acre piece of land leased by the council on the outskirts of the town.

There has been complaints about the location of the current dumpsite as it is located uphill and the waste is washed into estates and Lake Nakuru, posing a health hazard and environmental risk.

First town

Speaking during the launch of the project, Nakuru Mayor John Kitilit said Nakuru would be the first to adopt modern technology in the disposal of the solid waste through the pilot project that will also benefit Mombasa.

He said the solid waste would be recycled to produce by-products, which can be used for farming.

He said the current dumping site has become an eyesore and should be closed down.

"I am happy the pilot project on solid waste management is starting in Nakuru. The town faces a problem of handling solid waste since the dumpsite is located on the upper part of the town. During every downpour the waste is swept into the town’s streets," said Mr Kitilit at the mayor’s parlour.

He said the town, being a tourist destination, needs an environmental facelift starting with the disposal of waste.