Njeru locals protest against pollution of area's only water source by factories

Hundreds of locals from the villages of Naminya, Naluwere and Jowali in  Njeru Municipality have protested against factories for discharging industrial waste into their lone water source, commonly known as Naava.

In addition to accusing the Delta, Victoria Nile plastics Ltd and Paramukah companies of discharging fecal matter  and other industrial pollutants into their wells and wetlands, the impacted locals held signs calling for clean water and an end to the pollution of their water supply.

Rose Alibuza, a local and member of the Naminya Village Health Team-VHT, bemoaned the rising number of cases of dysentery, skin rashes, diarrhea and infections among women as a result of dirty water.

They have complained to investors on multiple occasions, but nothing has been done.

Because they are tired of drinking contaminated water, Nabirye Hadjah, a resident of Naminya village, called on relevant authorities, including NEMA, Njeru leaders, and the president, to step in.

Some of the protestors called upon  the investors to compensate them since they couldn't stand the current condition, while others asked them to build them another water source and handle their waste extremely well.

The demonstrators were guarded by police and the army to ensure the success of the activity.

The manufacturers have been contaminating the environment and dumping hazardous materials into water sources, according to Viola Kataike, the head of Girls for Environment Action.

"We are working to establish corporate responsibility for the community; let the industries exist, but let them be accountable to the community they are polluting," Ms Kataike stated.

Kataike pointed out that they called the investors several times for community dialogue but in vain ,adding that they would not remain silent when the villagers became ill from illnesses linked to contaminated water.

She said  that toxic industrial wastes also have an impact on fish breeding grounds and agricultural yields.

Meanwhile, Diana Mutasingwa, the  woman representative for Buikwe District, ordered the factories to close due to suspected waste pollution of the community and River Nille, citing health risks to the local population.

"I am not those leaders you bribe with shs2 million but this time I am closing, and the matter will be forwarded to the president until you clean your house," Mutasingwa stated.

Mutasingwa also took a swipe at  human resource managers working at Victoria Nile Plastics and Paramuka Steel for remaining silent while the community is suffering from the fecal materials dumped into the well.

"You are Ugandans, so how could you remain silent while your fellow Ugandans are battling with fecal materials in the well?"

The leadership of the accused two factories, have not made any comment on the public outcry despite numerous calls.