Tanneries closed over pollution row
19/03/2008
Two tanning firms in the Ugandan district of Jinja have been ordered to close because of pollution.
Leather Industries of Uganda and Skyfat Tannery are accused of releasing toxic gases and untreated effluent into Lake Victoria.
Nema The executive director of the National Environmental Management Agency, Henry Aryamanya-Mugisha, wrote to the tanneries on March 17 and ordered them to close.
He said: “Your actions have violated the right of the citizens of this country to a clean and healthy environment.”
This is the first time the environmental body has taken action like this. Nema says the closure of the factories followed several complaints and an inspection which revealed that “an offensive odour and stench” had engulfed the town of Jinja.
The inspection took place on March 11 and there are reports of emissions of hydrogen sulphide and ammonia gases coming to light. The tanneries were also found to be releasing heavy effluent containing heavy metals, especially chromium.
They will be able to resume the production of leather only after passing a further inspection by the authorities. The town’s mayor, Hajji Mohammed Baswari Kezaala, was reported to have been preparing a demonstration against the pollution.
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