Lives at risk as Scoul defies Nema, dumps waste in Mabira

Locals say River Musamya, which passes through Mabira Forest, is discoloured and stinks as a result of the untreated waste.

Mukono

Four years after it was asked to stop, the Sugar Corporation of Uganda (Scoul) continues to discharge untreated waste into River Musamya, which flows through Mabira Forest.

A water quality assessment report done by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation in 2007 proved that waste from the factory exceeds acceptable standards and was damaging plant and animal life around the river and contaminating water sources used by local residents.

“It is clear that Scoul is not meeting its obligations in meeting the effluent discharge standards to ensure a good environment,” says the report commissioned by the Mabira Forest Integrated Community Organisation (Mafico), a civil society body that represents residents.

“Nema should prevail over Scoul and enforce the discharge laws so as to ensure that Scoul pre-treats their water before discharging into surface water. The water is not fit for human consumption and communities should be sensitised about this.”

On its website, the Mehta Group, which owns Scoul, says it works hard “to mitigate disease and promote healthier living through educational and social programmes”.

Pollution
However, four years after the report, and despite instructions from the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) to clean up its waste, the factory continues to pollute the river and forest.

Scoul, which also claims on its website to be “among few companies to be certified for environment compliance” is trying to take over 7,200 hectares of Mabira Forest to expand its sugar plantation.

“This forest has rejuvenated to full capacity in the past 20 years but besides the impending sale of part of the forest, our big problem is the Mehta Group,” says Ms Judith Ahebwa, who manages the Mabira Forest Eco- tourism Site under National Forestry Authority. “We talked to Nema about the waste discharged into River Musamya and they said they would force him (Scoul) to meet the standards but no response so far.”

Nema spokesperson Naomi Karekaho told Daily Monitor that the factory was yet to comply with orders to adhere to effluent discharge standards. “We have tried to have compliance agreements with the Mehta Group to treat its waste although they have not yet complied. It is a process which takes time,” she said. “Other available options is to close them down if not abiding,” Ms Karekaho added, without specifying when the closure would be effected.

The Environment Officer Scoul, Mr Onen Okello, denied knowledge of the water quality assessment report and argued that the sugar factory could not sign a compliance agreement with Nema before an Environment Impact Assessment is done.

“We have already done an Environment Impact Assessment which we forwarded to Nema for approval and we are waiting for a final report of approval in November before compliance,” Mr Onen said. He said the company has been treating its waste but is yet to involve the community to know of its actions.

However, Ms Ahebwa disagreed with the company position. She said: “The factory is not doing enough treatment to the waste that goes into the water. The integrity of the forest and river is jeopardised.”

Residents who live near River Musamya say the pollution has affected their life, the environment, and tourism at the Griffin Falls which has discoloured and stinking water.

“Tourists come here hoping to see fresh water but sometimes, especially in the dry season, their expectations are not met. We are missing would-be tourists because the ones who come don’t say good things about the falls,” says Robert Kungujje, the general secretary of Mabira Forest Integrated Community Organisation.