• Children are coughing, have sore eyes, and are nose bleeding and vomiting
• The emissions started on March 5
Image: /MAUREEN KINYANJUI
Nema has been given 14 days to investigate and file a report on factories emitting “toxic gases” at night in South B.
Assembly majority whip and South B MCA Waithera Chege on Monday said if Nema fails to investigate these companies, she will file a petition to have it disbanded.
“Companies cannot be making profits at the expense of residents' health. This can lead to extreme respiratory complications,” Waithera said.
The ward rep said she will present the matter before the assembly today.
Waithera spoke after South B residents raised concerns over “toxic” emissions being discharged at night by factories near the estate.
They told the Star on Monday that the emissions started on March 5. Residents have developed respiratory problems because of the “poisonous” gases. Children are coughing, have sore eyes, and are nose bleeding and vomiting.
The residents said they had the same problem last year.
Jane Ndambuki, a mother of two, said the emissions smell like burning tyres. "Our main concern is to know who has been emitting these gases. On Saturday it was worse as it started at 4pm and intensified at night," she said.
Ndambuki said at first they thought it was an isolated case, but it has become a persistent problem.
Njeri Wang’ombe, said her one-year-old baby has been vomiting and coughing, especially at night.
Another resident, Elizabeth Yego, said she has breathing problems. “The pungent smell is scary. We are worried about our children's health,” she said.
MCA Waithera also said she experienced the choking smell on Saturday while driving on Mombasa Road.