By The Weekly Vision
The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) yesterday shut down four County abattoirs for non-compliance. Bungoma has four abattoirs situated in Kimilili, Bungoma town, Sirisia and Webuye. Speaking in Bungoma town on Tuesday during the crackdown, Mr Anthony Aura, the Western region Nema director said that the main aim of the crackdown is to check on the compliance of the facilities as far as the water quality 2006 is required.
Mr Aura said that the facilities are owned by the government while some are run by individuals adding that in Bungoma County they were able to shut down four slaughterhouses that have not complied with the authority’s regulations. “We have decided to carry out joint crackdown both in Bungoma and Busia so that we can be able to cover a vast area and ensure that institutions and organizations operating under our regime comply,” he noted.
However, he said that out of the four slaughterhouses owned by the County government of Bungoma, none has complied with the Nema’s regulations. “We are very disappointed how the County government of Bungoma is running this facility, meat is consumed by people, we should be keen when operating such,” he said. The authority director called on the Bungoma County government to ensure that the facilities comply with the authority’s regulations. “The authority will be very tough on these four facilities until they comply and follow our regulations,” he added.
He noted that the authority’s team also conducted an inspection at Nzoia Sugar company and found out that the company’s treatment plant is not operating as required adding that the company’s management was given seven days ultimatum to comply or else a stern action will be taken. He added that Nzowasco Company was also given seven days to comply. “With the kind of situations that some facilities are in, it gives us no option other than to order their closure until they abide by rules,” Aura noted. Aura warned traders who are still using plastic bags stating that if found, action will be taken against them.
