The National Environment Complaints Committee (NECC) has ordered immediate stoppage of raw sewer into the Indian Ocean in Mombasa.
The Committee protested that the on-going discharge of raw sewer along Tudor Creek threatens marine ecosystems and human life.
Speaking on Friday during a tour of the area, the NECC Secretary John Chumo blamed Mombasa County Government and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for poor management of sewerage waste directed into the Indian Ocean.
“The committee is very disappointed with NEMA for failing to enforce environmental measures to prevent discharge of raw sewer into the sea,” said Chumo.
He said the county government and NEMA must find ways of ensuring private developers do not direct the waste into the sea saying this was negatively affecting both marine and human lives.
He said the committee has ordered the Authority to close all sources of the sewers generated from nearby institutions including hospitals that are either not treated or have malfunctioning sewage treatment systems.
“We have received numerous complaints from residents and the two bodies must take environmental matters very seriously,” added Chumo.
The NECC official said only 10 per cent of households are connected to the sewer while the rest release the waste into the Indian Ocean resulting in the pollution of water.
Chumo further said raw sewage is often discharged into the ocean directly from unconnected sources through storm water drains and partially treated sewage systems.
by Mohamed Hassan
