Residents of a Mombasa Road estate petition NEMA over 'deadly' air pollution

Eagle Plains Estate Residents Association (EPERA) have filed a complaint with the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) over air pollution.

The residents of the estate, that is located behind the Panari Hotel, say their complaints have fallen on deaf ears.

Air pollution is a health hazard.

The air quality in the estate is bad.

That is according to an instrument installed, at the estate, by the Nairobi County Government in 2020.

“The readings revealed high levels above the recommended reading of 50 particulate matter. The readings ranged between 50 to 150. These high levels of particulate matter cause nausea, vomiting and difficulty in breathing. This has resulted in respiratory diseases that has been witnessed by the residents and particularly our children the last couple of years. NEMA brought in a mobile air sensor truck to the estate during the same period. This was brought to confirm the air pollution levels within the Estate. The mobile unit was in the estate from 12th May — 19th May 2020. The truck was stationed in the estate for one week. The findings of the testing have not been shared to the residents to date, despite numerous attempts to get the results shared by NEMA’, the document shared states in part.

Research has found poor air quality to impact heart health, breathing, and lung function.

Recommendations

The World Health Organization indicates that 88% of deaths related to outdoor pollution occur in developing countries that typically lack access to data on their air quality.

The estate’s residents association now wants NEMA to enforce industrial emission limit, ensure compliance for all industrial sector players, compel the offending parties to compensate affected residents, priority be given to human settlements over industrial activity among other things.

The residents of Eagle Plains estate pray that the relevant authorities will ensure that all Nairobi County residents are protected against industrial emissions and air pollution emanating from the nearby industries.

EPERA borders the former Nakumatt Supermarket headquarters and made news before over air quality.

NEMA must stop taking bribes from offending companies.