CS Duale Orders Removal of Asbestos Roofs Within 3 months
The Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Hon. Aden Duale has today directed NEMA to mapout facilities with asbestos roofing countrywide to ensure they are removed.
The facilities including schools and other private establishments will have the next 3 months to remove asbestos. Citing public health safety concerns, he stated that he has already written to public institutions with such roofing to remove them and dispose them off in line with NEMA guidelines.
The CS was speaking as he made his inaugural visit to NEMA headquarters. He was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, State Department of Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Eng. Festus Ngeno.
The CS held a meeting with the Board of Directors, Management and staff where critical issues affecting the Authority were discussed.
In order to enhance operations of the Authority, the CS stated that he will fastrack gazettement of 13 Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) regulations currently pending.
He further outlined the pivotal role the Authority plays in management of the environment. He added that an error of omission or commission could have a far reaching effect to the health of the public. As such, staff must abide by high standards to safeguard the environment.
The CS was informed that 12,300 wetlands have been mapped countrywide. He urged the Authority to keep the updating the list of wetlands countrywide so that appropriate action can be undertaken.
He directed the Authority to enhance its revenue collection to be able to cater for its operations and discharge optimal services to the public.
As the Designated National Authority (DNA) for Carbon markets, the CS urged the Board and the Management to critically register and diligently undertake the task as part of efforts to cope with climate change and meet the country obligations as outlined in the Paris Agreement.
“Nema must enforce the law to ensure the environment is protected and safeguarded. All facilities in the 47 Counties must be brought under compliance,” he said. On the same, he urged the County Directors of Environment to remove bottlenecks in the licensing process.
He also warned those discharging raw sewerage into Nairobi rivers. He stated that NEMA must engage Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company to ensure that raw sewer doesn’t get into Rivers from burst sewer lines.
On his part, NEMA Chairman, Emilio Mugo who was represented by his Vice Chair, Sophia Matura expressed the Authority’s commitment to address various environmental related challenges through implementation of various environmental laws and partnerships.
The Director General, Mamo B. Mamo, EBS echoed the same sentiments noting that the Authority has made progress in enhancing environmental compliance through regular enforcement actions.
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