Residents of Malindi are appealing to the government to move with speed and save them from the dangerous emissions emanating from the nearby Simba Cement factory. A source in the Kaloleni Bondora area told The Weekly Vision that the emissions pose a grave danger to the environment and the health of locals in the region. Residents claim the factory which operates on a twenty-four-hour basis is reportedly emitting dangerous fumes and dust that settles on everything in the surrounding area, including cars, roofs, and palm trees.
The locals have expressed their concerns that the factory is violating the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) regulations, and it’s only a matter of time before a major health crisis hits the region. Despite the outcry, the authorities, including officials from NEMA, the Kilifi County Government, elected ward representatives and Members of Parliament have turned a blind eye to the matter. The locals are now appealing for urgent action to address the situation.
This is not the first time that the Simba Cement factory has been accused of flouting environmental regulations. In 2019, the factory was ordered to suspend its operations by NEMA following complaints of pollution from the locals.
It resumed operations later that year after allegedly meeting the environmental requirements set by the regulator. Government authorities should investigate this matter and take appropriate measures to mitigate the environmental impact of the factory.
Simba Cement factory must comply with the set environmental regulations to safeguard the health and well-being of the residents of Kilifi County.
