, NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 14 – Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) has put on notice companies discharging raw effluent into rivers that are emptying into Lake Victoria.
The Authority’s Lake Region manager Bernard Omuya says they are responding to a public outcry following a foul stench in Kisumu along Kisumu Busia road next to Kisat sewerage treatment plant.
Omuya says that they have found out that several companies are flouting environmental laws putting he lives of the locals at risk.
He says the Authority will discharge its mandate to ensure a clean environment.
Speaking when he conducted an inspection to Kisat sewerage plant, Omuya says action will be taken to companies and factories discharging untreated effluent into the lake.
He says the Authority has issued a warning to all the factories in the region to ensure what they are empting out into the rivers and the lake is safe.
The manager noted that Lake Victoria is home to millions of animals and its water is useful for both domestic and industrial thus the need to conserve it.
During the inspection, the team found out a broken pipe leading to Kisat sewerage plant that was discharging raw effluent leading to the foul smell.
Omuya directed Kisumu Water Sewerage Company (KIWASCO) to ensure that within four days, the damage is restored.
He warned that legal action will be taken against the water company should they ignore the order.
