Following Government directive ordering removal of asbestos roofs in both private and public buildings in three months, leaders in Embu have appealed to the Government to appropriate funds to the affected institutions.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on August 28 this year, directed NEMA to map out facilities with asbestos roofing countrywide to ensure they are removed and disposed appropriately.
Catholic Diocese of Embu Bishop Peter Kimani said though the move was long overdue due to health risks associated with asbestos including cancer, not many institutions are able to undertake the task.
He said the deadline may not be tenable given the economic hardships facing the country and thus the government should step in to facilitate replacement of the hazardous roofing especially in learning institutions.
He was speaking on Sunday at St. Joseph Allamano Wachoro Boys Secondary School in Mwea Sub-county on an inspection tour of the school that has successfully replaced the asbestos roofing.
The removal was done following a donation of Sh3 million from President William Ruto towards giving the school a new facelift upon request by county leaders including senator Alexander Mundigi when the president toured the area a few months ago.
He thanked the board of management of the school for prioritizing removal of the condemned roofing, saying it will give the learners a conducive learning environment once the schools reopen in January.
“Since most of the schools don’t have funding for that, it is my request that the government should step in even if it is to look for donations to remove the roofs even before the schools open in January,” he said.
Senator Mundigi who accompanied the Bishop asked the Ministry of Education to avail funds to assist many other schools that are facing similar predicament across the country.
“This is a challenge that is widespread and with the directive having come on a short notice, not many schools have the capacity to undertake the task,” he said.
By Samuel Waititu
