Depts tightlipped on contamination

By HARLYNE JOKU
TWO Government departments responsible for operations of mines and environmental issues have remained tightlipped since the extent of the pollution of Auga and Angabanga Rivers in the Central province were revealed last week.
The Mining and Environment and Conservation departments have not commented on a study conducted by senior pathology registrar Dr Sylvester Kotapu, which revealed high toxic heavy metals in blood samples of people living in villages along the Auga and Angabanga Rivers.
Dr Kotapu presented his findings to the Central provincial government last week.
The two departments are responsible for administering the Mining Act and the Environment Act, and their negligence could expose the State and the Government to massive damage claims as a result of pollution to the environment, which is affecting the health and lives of people.
The departments have yet to make an official statement on the findings, even though The National has contacted the offices, left messages and questions.
Meanwhile, the Woitape local level government president Linus Aia has strongly rebutted comments by the former Mining department secretary James Wanjik on the issue.
Mr Aia said in a statement yesterday that Mr Wanjik’s doubt about the report proves his inability as a lawyer and former Mining secretary to address the issue.
“The Mining Act 1992 clearly stipulates that for any mining operations to take place – be it small or large scale – the pre-requisite is to have a tailings dam in place,” Mr Aia said.
He said Mr Wanjik should not comment on the issue since he had done nothing about it during his tenure as the head of the Mining department.
 

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