National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has issued improvement orders to Kenya Slum Upgrading Programme through the Bungoma County Government on the ongoing construction of Chebukube market in Bungoma town.
NEMA County Director, Mr. John Maniafu says the project that is now in its second month of construction has been progressing without the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and audit regulation certificate from NEMA.
Speaking to KNA, Maniafu said that when an EIA is integrated, due considerations are made in all stages of a project, from exploration and planning through construction, operations, decommissioning, and beyond site closure.
He said that since this was not done, NEMA has thus stopped any further construction works on the market, until such a time that the client complies with the rules and regulations required in the construction of such projects.
The director noted that the Authority has communicated adequately to the area County Government and the supervisors of the project who have yet to comply.
Among the requirements also set for approval before continuation include public participation and approval of project plans by physical planning and public health departments.
“We have stopped the ongoing construction of Chebukube market in Bungoma town because Environmental Impact assessment was not done by the National Environment Management Authority,” he said.
“It is prudent for the county government to comply to set precedence to the rest of the stake holders within the county to ensure that the legal requirements under the law are adhered to before mega projects are embarked on,” he added.
By Emmanuel Khaemba and Roseland Lumwamu
