Government Cracks Down on Illegal Dumping in River Awash

Rachuonyo North – The government has issued a strong warning against the illegal dumping of solid wastes into River Awash, as stated by the Rachuonyo North Sub-County Environment Officer, Dawnschearis Akinyi. The official highlighted the serious legal consequences of such actions, emphasizing the need to protect the river, a vital water source for the community.

According to Kenya News Agency, dumping waste into the river is not only a violation of environmental laws but also a serious injustice and offense punishable by law. “Because this is a river, a source of water that many people rely on, dumping effluent or untreated wastes, solid wastes, or any other waste poses health challenges to the community at large,” she explained. The officer stressed the importance of keeping the river water safe to protect residents from diseases.

The issue came to light after residents near Gendia Bridge woke up to a pungent smell from decomposed solid wastes that had been dumped in a road drainage system close to the river. Officer Akinyi underscored the slogan ‘my waste, my responsibility’, urging people to manage their waste at the source responsibly. She acknowledged the lack of a dumping site in Kendubay, noting that trucks currently transport solid waste to Homabay town. However, she revealed that the county government is in the process of creating a dumping site at Kendu Bay, with a site identified and budget set aside.

Environment activists George Otieno Olao and Nuhu Omollo, members of the Plant Trees for Better Life CBO in Homabay, along with local residents, helped retrieve the waste from the drainage system. Nuhu Omollo called for cooperation among the national police service, local administration officials, and the county government to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. He also urged residents living along River Awach, especially near the Gendia Bridge, to report any illegal dumping.

Earlier this year, a similar incident involving the dumping of broken glasses and vehicle windscreens, presumably from car garages, occurred. Although the county government responded swiftly with the community’s help, the responsible party has not yet been brought to justice. Officer Akinyi promised a thorough follow-up on these matters. “We are going to act on the said vehicle that was seen with these wastes, we already have the numbers,” she asserted, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enforce environmental laws.