The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
Mombasa County Government has issued a temporary suspension of Bamburi Cement’s coal operations to safeguard the well-being of nearby residents.
The decision follows a comprehensive site inspection led by Deputy Governor Francis Thoya, along with officials from the Environment Department, Public Health, and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
The Deputy Governor called for immediate action, demanding that Bamburi Cement implement effective mitigation plans to address the coal dust issue. The company has been instructed to cease coal operations and devise methods to store or cover exposed coal.
Residents in Kadzandani and Bamburi have raised concerns about dark dust infiltrating their homes for the past month, leading to persistent coughing and disrupted sleep patterns. The investigation revealed that Bamburi Cement’s improper storage of coal, left exposed in an open area, is the primary cause of the dust problem.
The County Government has mandated that Bamburi Cement establishes a proper storage facility for coal before resuming operations. Deputy Governor Thoya emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting residents from the dangers of coal, highlighting the requirement for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) licenses for handling coal.
In response, Bamburi Cement acknowledged unprecedented winds during coal storage operations, leading to the spread of coal dust. The company has voluntarily suspended certain activities, implemented additional measures, and formed a cross-functional committee in collaboration with the County Government of Mombasa.
They are conducting reviews, enhancing community engagement, and maintaining normal operations to ensure compliance.
