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Kenya: MP Disbands Probe Team
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The Nation (Nairobi)
1 May 2008
Posted to the web 30 April 2008
Gitonga Marete
Nairobi
An MP has disbanded a team set up to investigate claims of environmental pollution by a cement maker in Kaloleni District.
MP Samuel Kambi on Tuesday disbanded the committee during the company's field day at M'bungoni Primary School, where he was the chief guest.
He accused the team of being incompetent, claiming that some of the members had been compromised.
The Kaloleni MP felt the team could not carry out its duties independently. "I had not also been consulted when the committee was set up," Mr Kambi said, adding that the new committee, chaired by Dr Mwinga Chokwe, would be required to submit a report of its findings within a week.
The earlier committee was set up by district commissioner Francis ole Nyangume to investigate claims by residents that Athi River Mining Company was polluting the environment.
Complaints
Earlier, Muslims for Human Rights lobby group briefly interrupted the day's programme as they presented complaints from residents to the company's managing director, Mr Pradeep Paunrana.
The company has been involved in a tussle with the residents, who complained that the management refused to act on their complaints about dust pollution.
The residents say that dust from the plant has affected their health and caused the death of their animals.
"There are also chemical deposits overflowing from the dams and residents who complain are asked to sell their land," the residents complained.
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Closure
"The issues raised in the memorandum should be addressed because the company has to co-exist with the residents. Both parties should ensure that their interests are taken care of," said Mr Kambi.
Muslims for Human Rights had called for the closure of the plant. However, Mr Kambi said the issues should be resolved amicably. Mr Paunrana said of the company's Sh350 million capital re-investment last year, a large amount went into purchasing equipment meant to address environmental issues.
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