NEMA halts gold leaching plant’s operations after locals protest pollution

Migori county NEMA director Mr. James Siaji, Speaking to radio Ramogi on Saturday, said the issues of water and air pollution raised by the locals who protested against the company are serious and must be handled before the leaching plant continues its operations.

Mr.Siaji said a team from NEMA will visit the plant which is hardly six month old on a fact-finding mission.

He said they are ready to take necessary legal action against the company if it is found out that the company is flouting adhering to the regulations.

Siaji’s comments come a day after a section of the residents of Namba blocked Namba-Kehancha road protesting against the operators of the leaching plant, claiming that it’s a life threatening venture.

They claim that they cannot use the available water sources around because of the pollution caused by chemicals emanating from the leaching plants.