Irate residents in Embu County evict private garbage collector

 

Residents of Blue Valley Estate in Embu Town gathered at a businessman’s garbage collection site to forcefully evict him over health concerns.

The locals accused the investor of turning the site initially handed over to him by the County Government as a waste sorting location into a dumping site exposing them to diseases associated with poor waste management.

Angry residents demolished the perimeter wall as they demanded the removal of the dump site that was not only an eye sore but a health risk. Later on, they were joined by Assembly Deputy Speaker Ibrahim Swaleh who is also the area (Kirimari Ward) MCA where they gave the investor a three-day ultimatum to clear the dump site and relocate.

The MCA gave the operator Ksh 20, 000 to facilitate the clearance of the refuse with residents threatening to move in and do the work if he did not comply within three days since the pungent smell emanating from the site had forced many residents to vacate the area while homeowners have been forced to make do with the hazardous environment.

They said the accumulated waste had also led to clogging of drainage systems leading to sewage backup and flooding that renders feeder roads impassable. “Many residents here suffer respiratory diseases now and then as a result of fumes emanating from the dump site,” Betty Karani, who is a resident of the area, lamented.

Another resident, Lewis Waweru said the presence of the dump site had forced many would-be tenants and investors to shun the area leading to a slump in growth.

MCA Swaleh said the intention of the government was good in aiding the collection, sorting and disposal of waste from the area, but it had become untenable to continue having the site due to associated hazards.

The locals accused the devolved unit of turning a deaf ear to their plight as they have on numerous occasions complained to relevant authorities with no action being taken as they thanked the MCA for coming to their aid.

BY KNA