November 27, 2024

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Chinese firm dismisses calls to compensate 600 residents

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A Chinese construction firm has dismissed calls to compensate more than 600 people believed to have been adversely affected by its mining activities in Kasipul constituency in Homa Bay county.

The National Assembly Environment and Natural Resources Committee had recommended that the firm pays the residents for alleged adverse effects of its blasting activities.

However, the Chinese firm in a rejoinder, dismissed the allegations, maintaining that its activities were being done in compliance with outlined environmental and health regulations.

Firm’s representative Daniel Kigada noted that suitable methods of blasting were employed at all times to ensure people are safe.

 Kigada said their safety and health department inspected all houses within the vicinity of the quarry site to assess any damage and that no incident of cracked house was recorded for the entire four years of operation.

 Residents of Aketch village in Konuong’a location had raised concerns over the impact of the mining activities. Their grievances included reports of respiratory illnesses associated with quarry activities.