Closed lead factory 'operating at night'

Two months after health officers closed down a controversial lead smelting factory in Naivasha, area residents claim that it operates at night.

The residents of Nyamathi village are now calling on the government to urgently investigate the operations of the plant which is also involved in battery assembly.

The plant was shut down on health grounds and a senior manager who declined to be named has denied that it was operational as alleged.

But according to residents, loud noises could be heard from the factory that was closed following an outcry over the condition of the workers by health officials.

Peter Ngaro, a farmer, said they were fearing the battery assembly plant could bring them health complications if it was not closed completely.

Blood samples

Mr Ngaro urged the Government to speed up the investigations saying if it was allowed to operate, many would be affected.

"The noises are heard at night and we don't know what goes on since nobody is allowed to get in," said the farmer.

Mary Kimani, another farmer, said the spill-over of chemicals from the factory to their farms could herald a great danger to them.

She called on the Government to investigate reports of its operation to ensure that the factory was compliant with regulations on its closure.

Two months ago the Government, through the department of health, closed down the factory that is located on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway.

Later, blood samples were collected from the workers.

Naivasha traders and environmentalists supported the closure.