WARMA Director dismisses River Sio pollution allegations

The water Resource Management Authority has dismissed claims that River Sio in Busia County has suffered heavy pollution from waste emanating from the nearby Busia Sugar factory.  

The Authority insists that the claims made by West Kenya Sugar Company on the state of the river are farfetched as the said factory is yet to begin operations.

The expected competition between two sugar millers in Western Kenya is turning ugly as the firms go at each other.

West Kenya Sugar Company recently made allegations that operations at Busia Sugar factory will hugely affect the rivers in the area claiming that River Sio will especially suffer pollution from the factory’s waste.

These claims have been dismissed by the Water Resource Management Authority as baseless.

WARMA director Saul Busolo wondered why there was concern yet the factory is yet to begin operations.

He says water assessment treatment plan will be carried across all factories in the country to ensure that the rivers are not polluted.

Area leaders called on the state to fast track opening of the factory which they said will enhance livelihoods of the locals.

The factory had been earmarked to begin operations in July but its permit was cancelled over alleged breach of licensing procedures.