0
0
The Public Petitions Committee, chaired by Hon. Janet Sitienei, Vice Chairperson and Turbo MP, has received a petition from Wajir North MP, Hon. Ibrahim Abdi, concerning the banning of asbestos as a roofing material in Kenya.
Despite the Kenyan government banning the use of asbestos in 2006, the petition highlights that little has been done to replace existing structures constructed with this hazardous material. Hon. Abdi points out that many public institutions in his constituency, particularly schools and hospitals, continue to use asbestos roofing, putting the health of the community at risk.
These public institutions are beneficiaries of World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) projects, making the situation even more concerning.
Hon. Abdi has urged Parliament, through the Committee, to investigate the matter thoroughly. He calls for the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and the Department of Public Health to intervene urgently. Their role would be to replace the cancer-causing asbestos with safer roofing materials and to develop safe mechanisms for the disposal of the hazardous material to prevent environmental contamination.
In response to the petition, members of the committee requested Hon. Abdi to provide statistical data that would aid their investigation into the matter. They assured him that the petition would be treated with the urgency it deserves.
Hon. Janet Sitienei commended Hon. Abdi for bringing the issue to the committee’s attention, emphasizing the importance of addressing it promptly. “Cancer has become a leading cause of death in the country, making this petition timely and of great significance,” declared Hon. Sitienei.
The committee’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised in the petition reflects its dedication to safeguarding public health and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Stakeholders and the public will be keenly watching as Parliament takes action on this pressing issue.
