Nema reverses order to close Windsor hotel over effluent discharge

Nema reported on July 18, 2019 that it had apprehended Windsor hotel’s manager over discharging untreated effluent into the environment. PHOTO | COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • Nema reported earlier that it had apprehended the hotel’s manager for discharging untreated effluent into the environment.
  • The reversal was made on Friday evening, the authority saying Windsor had “initiated compliance and put measures to prevent waste water flowing into environment”.
  • Among those affected are Baringo County Referral Hospital, which Nema said on Friday had also been discharging untreated sewage into a nearby river.
  • On July 16, police and Nema officials arrested a manager at Sameer Agriculture and Livestock Limited on accusations of flouting regulations for discharging effluent.

The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) on Friday reversed its order to close Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club for non-compliance with rules for discharging effluent.

Nema reported on Thursday that it had apprehended the hotel’s manager for discharging untreated effluent into the environment.

“The hotel also failed to implement recommendations proposed to it by the authority on June, 20. A closure order has also been issued,” a tweet stated.

The reversal was made on Friday evening, the authority saying Windsor had “initiated compliance and put measures to prevent waste water flowing into environment”.

CRACKDOWN

The authority has been carrying out a crackdown across the country, that has seen businesses such as hotels and factories closed for defying its rules.

Among those affected are Baringo County Referral Hospital, which Nema said on Friday had also been discharging untreated sewage into a nearby river.

Its medical superintendent was arrested for “defying the authority’s orders” during inspections on Friday.

On July 16, police and Nema officials arrested a manager at Sameer Agriculture and Livestock Limited on accusations of flouting regulations for discharging effluent.

Satendra Sharma, the official who was arrested, is the plant manager for Daima dairy company, whose products are processed by Sameer.

The authority also shut down four hotels in Kwale for failing to comply with water quality regulations. Galu Inn, Sea Breeze, Eden Palace and Kaskazi hotels, located in Diani, were closed indefinitely on Sunday.