Locals raise alarm over chemical spill from gold mines into streams

Public health officers take samples from a stream which is suspected to have been contaminated by chemicals from leaching plants in Macalder, Nyatike Sub-County. [Anne Atieno, Standard] Migori residents have raised concern over the spilling of dangerous chemicals from gold mines into water sources hence putting lives at risk. Residents said their cattle have been dying because of the spillage that comes from the leaching plants at the gold mines in the region. Samuel Ouma, a resident of Oruba, said gold-leaching plants in the area were now becoming a threat to lives and crops. "Cows have been dying after consuming contaminated water from a nearby stream. We are worried that this will also start affecting us and our crops," Ouma said. The residents want relevant authorities to take action to help salvage the situation. They claimed that they had reported the matter but no action was being taken. Oruba location Chief Charles Ouma said cows have been dying because of the leaching plants in Lower Oruba, Siany. "Already I have talked with Nema so that they can catch up with those people. They need to see that those areas are properly managed. We cannot sit and see animals dying," Ouma said. The chief admitted that he received reports that two cows died after consuming contaminated water in the last two weeks. "As the area chief, I was forced to go and see for myself. Yes, it is true that there was some spillage that came from those leaching plants," he said. He issued a stern warning to the management of leaching plants and told them to ensure they are placed in areas where they cannot affect aquatic plants or animals. Migori County National Environment Management Authority (Nema) Director Tom Togo said they have received reports from various areas concerning gold processing, mining, and use of chemicals. Togo revealed that following the reports Nema closed down several leaching plants in the county. "We have been trying to ensure compliance so that the operations don't impact negatively on the environment," he said. He said leaching plants should be closed systems where water being used should not spill to streams. "Because of the players not being very careful, the water leaks out to community water sources. They process huge amounts of soil which have chemicals. The soil after being rained on, releases chemicals," Togo explained. He said they closed leaching facilities whose soils were not appropriately stored.

Locals raise alarm over chemical spill from gold mines into streams

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Locals raise alarm over chemical spill from gold mines into streams

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