The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), has decried the high rate of non-compliance to environment management requirements in Marsabit, by both private and government actors.
Marsabit County Director of Environment, Vincent Oloo, also termed solid waste collection in the county as erratic, a state he cautioned could result in outbreak of diseases.
Mr Oloo told KNA during an enforcement exercise carried out in Marsabit town for those dodging compliance that the national government agencies, county government and private players were a guilty party.
During the operation, 25 suspects in different sectors were arrested and released on bond at the Marsabit Police Station.
Those arrested included 11 traders who were found in possession of banned plastic bags at their roadside businesses, miraa sellers, butchers, supermarkets and retail shop operators.
Also netted in the swoop were five operators of private hospitals and clinics, for failing to secure licenses for effluent discharge and not conducting Annual Environmental Audit Reports.
The Authority which teamed up with other lead agencies also nabbed four garage and three car wash operators, a hotel operator and owners of two local filling stations.
The Director said the suspects would be appearing in court tomorrow as the Authority put government agencies on notice for implementing development projects such as boreholes, health facilities and retail market stalls without Environmental Impact Assessment reports (EIAs).
“We are determined to reverse the trend in order to protect and conserve the environment for a healthy living and prosperity,” he said, adding that those dealing with waste disposal were also not obtaining waste transportation licenses.
Mr Oloo said that NEMA would be focusing on making factory owners, crusher and quarry operators, slaughter houses and county markets license compliance.
He cautioned small scale traders and food hawkers against use of the outlawed plastic carrier bags, as those found will be prosecuted.
NEMA, he disclosed, was appalled by careless disposal of waste in Marsabit town and outlying trading centers, especially by government run health facilities, adding that the Authority was determined to reverse the trend.
By Sebastian Miriti
