By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Hon. Aden Duale has directed National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to map out 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, Duale 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 also 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 fast track 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.
According to the National Environmental Management Authority 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.
Hon Aden Duale 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.
The Cabinet Secretary 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.