Residents of Mpeketoni have been urged to uphold high standards of hygiene following concerns over illegal waste disposal practices in the area.

It has been discovered that many households and business premises have illegally connected their waste water discharge to the stormwater drains.

This has led to constant blockages of the drains, unpleasant odors and breeding of mosquitoes and other vectors of diseases.

The Department of Public Health, Sanitation and Environment together with National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has condemned the practice, calling on the public to refrain from such actions in order to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

Speaking during the joint on-site inspection, Mr. Mohamed Abubakar, the Director of Public Health and NEMA County Director Mr. Huqa Gedho, issued a stern warning to those responsible for the illegal connections.

“We are giving notice to these property owners to remove the illegal connections and install proper waste disposal systems. Failure to comply will result in legal action,” warned Abubakar.

NEMA Director informed that legal action shall be taken against those who will not comply with the improvement orders.

Residents are encouraged to report any illegal waste disposal practices and support the ongoing efforts to keep the town clean. Meanwhile the clean up exercise of the drains has been upscaled to unblock them and allow good flow of the storm water during the upcoming rains.

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For more information, contact the communication office at communication@lamu.go.ke