TORORO, UGANDA: There is uproar from residents of Tororo district over the gas emissions and dust from Simba cement factory.
The cement factory has been discharging dust and fumes in the air for a couple of months polluting the environment including water sources and the vegetation cover.
The most affected are residents of Putir, Mukuju, Mudodo, and Tengori villages in Mukuju and Nyangole sub-counties where dust has covered leaves and buildings.
Charles Wandera, the LCI chairperson of Putir village, says that although the company has provided employment to the local community, the impact of the emissions from the factory poses a danger to the lives of the surrounding communities.
He wants the authorities in the district to intervene and save them from the dangers of the gases and dust, which may result in diseases.
Charles Wandera, the LCI chairperson of Mudodo village, says that the locals have suffered from the emissions for the last four months.
Wandera says that the entire surrounding communities still rely on open shallow wells for water for home use but the dust has since contaminated the water sources.
Moses Ofwono, the Mukuju parish councilor says that they have engaged the administration of the company to address the challenges in vain.
John Okea, the Tororo district LCV chairperson says that they recommended that the company halts its operations until they fix filters to contain the smoke and dust but they remained adamant.
He says that they have since written to the National Environment Management Authority to come and assess the situation, which they are yet to do.
Danny Wilson, the Simba Cement Plant Manager said that the emissions are due to the factory’s technological upgrade.
He noted that the situation will soon be managed, saying the company plans to provide clean safe water to the affected communities to prevent them from using the contaminated water from open wells.
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