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Cement firm eases air pollution

By Patrick Beja

MOMBASA, KENYA Residents of Bamburi in Mombasa can now breathe fresh air after a cement factory put measures to contain dust emissions following years of protests over industrial pollution.

Yesterday, Bamburi Cement Factory announced it had successfully installed dust arrestors at Sh540 million to ensure a clean environment.

Plant manager Peter Gibendi said installation of the bag filters in August reduced dust emissions by about 99 per cent and ended protests from the residents.


“The installation of the equipment from China was completed in August. It is the best technology so far,” Gibendi explained.

He was addressing guests and staff during the company’s open day.

Mr Gibendi said they were now working on a project to reduce carbon emissions. National Environment Management Authority (Nema) Director General Ayub Macharia said investment in environment management was commendable and urged measures at the firm’s source of raw materials.

He said factories and other sources of carbon emissions should step up measures to reduce the impact of pollution to mitigate climate change.

“The Kyoto protocol is about to come to an end but countries are expected to be more committed in mitigating climate change,” Dr Macharia said. Bamburi Cement Industrial Director Xavier DeCharentenay said the firm was working towards reducing the impact of its activities on the environment.

Mr DeCharentenay said the plant also burns solid waste and disposal of old tyres to ensure a clean environment. Mr Francis Mwandari who represented Mwembelegeza village said they are now relieved. “There was a time when we could persistently protest because the dust emitted from this plant was too much. We are now enjoying a dust-free environment,” Mwandari said.