Naivasha residents want town's dumpsite relocated

The County Government of Nakuru is starring at a significant waste disposal crisis.

In recent days, the county government has been under pressure from non-governmental organisations and individuals to find alternative dumping sites.

Residents of Karai, Naivasha are calling for the relocation of the area dumpsite terming it as a deathtrap for tens of area residents, livestock and wildlife.

The residents have petitioned the county government to move with haste as poisonous fumes and waste from the dumpsite were finding their way into their homes.

This follows a fire outbreak at the facility which saw several homes and nearby schools closed due to the heavy and dark smoke that left many choking.

The most affected are residents of Karai, Kayole, and Mountain View estates which border the dumpsite that has been in existence for over 20 years.

Some of the tenants have already relocated from their homes while tens of others faced the same predicament as poisonous waste continued to spill into their compounds.

 Amos Kuria, a resident, says the waste spills into their homes, causing serious health challenges. “We are recording cases of chest infections daily due to the poisonous emissions from this dumpsite and we are calling on the county to urgently relocate it,” he said.

Another resident, Ann Wambui, said that the situation was getting worse by the day as the amount of dumped waste continued to pile up.

“The waste has been slowly spilling from the dumpsite and it has finally found its way into our homes leaving a trail of suffering and diseases,” she said.

Former area MCA Simon Wanyoike said that the county had embarked on the process of seeking an alternative land before he left office.

“The dumping site is now an eye-sore and a major health hazard for this area and I support calls to have it relocated,” he said.

Back in Nakuru Town, the County government was ordered by the Environment and Lands court to stop dumping toxic waste into Lake Nakuru and find an alternative dumping site for the refuse.

Environment and Lands Court Judge Anthony Ombwayo issued the orders following an application by a non-governmental organisation, Baboon Project Kenya.

The court had issued orders permanently barring the county government and the water agency from disposing of toxic waste in the Lake Nakuru basin.