By John Kariuki
Isiolo, Kenya – The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has moved swiftly to investigate concerns over dark smoke reportedly billowing from a hospital in Isiolo town. This follows social media reports that raised alarm among residents about potential air pollution from the facility.
In response, the NEMA County Director of Environment in Isiolo, accompanied by a Public Health officer, visited the hospital to assess the situation. Upon inspection, it was confirmed that the hospital’s incinerator was operating as expected. However, visible stack emissions were noted, prompting further scrutiny.
The investigation revealed that a heap of medical waste ash, removed from the incinerator, had been left near the hospital’s boundary wall. It is suspected that the thick smoke observed by the public resulted from an attempt by the operator to water down the ash to prevent any fire outbreak.
To address the issue, NEMA directed the hospital to expedite the construction of an ash pit for proper medical waste disposal. Additionally, the hospital must conduct stack emissions tests and submit the results to NEMA for assessment to obtain a stack emission license. This directive aligns with the Environmental Management and Coordination (Air Quality) Regulations, 2024.
NEMA remains committed to enforcing environmental regulations and ensuring that all healthcare facilities adhere to proper waste management practices to safeguard public health and the environment.
0 $type={facebook}:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.