Nema sets eight terms for reopening Buikwe factory
Residents in Njeru, Buikwe District protest over waste that spills in the water source on Saturday. Photo | Jessica Sabano
What you need to know:
- Last week, residents also protested over the continued release of industrial wastes from the factory into their only water source locally known as Naava.
The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) has given the directors of the closed Pramukh Steel Ltd in Njeru Municipality, Buikwe District, eight conditions they must meet before they can resume operations.
In a November 22 statement, Nema ordered the closure of the Pramukh factory "until remedial actions to protect the people from dangerous pollutants are taken by the company to the satisfaction of the Authority".
Nema was prompted to act after the community accused the factory of pollution, whereby it was allegedly releasing untreated waste directly into rivers and water sources in the area.
Last week, residents also protested over the continued release of industrial wastes from the factory into their only water source locally known as Naava.
The water source serves five villages; including Naminya, Bujowali and Naluwere.
“Our inspections established that in addition to industrial pollution, the facility is discharging human waste (faecal matter) and industrial waste into the nearby Naava stream source of water for communities of Bujjowali,Naluwerere and Naminya,” part of the Nema statement read.
After meeting key stakeholders inlcuding State minister in the Office of the Vice President Diana Mutasingwa, local leaders and company representatives, the environmental watchdog announced that the factory would reopen after fulfilling the conditions given to its directors.
The same conditions are also supposed to be met by Victoria Nile Plastics Ltd, which was jointly closed with Pramukh Steel Ltd.
As a result, the directors of the factory have been ordered to construct a drinking water well to replace the contaminated source, ensure compliance from November 22, conduct an air quality analysis through a credible laboratory, submit results to Nema, and install a real-time air quality monitoring machine, remove waste buried at the factory with immediate effect.
Article 39 of the Constitution provides that all Ugandans have a right to a healthy and clean environment.
