Govt warns firms over degradation
Jun 23, 2011
THE Government has warned industrialists against practices that promote environmental degradation, saying they hasten the negative effects of climatic change.
By David Ssempijja
THE Government has warned industrialists against practices that promote environmental degradation, saying they hasten the negative effects of climatic change.
Different companies of always been accused releasing toxic industrial chemicals into water systems, building in wetlands or emitting hazardous gases into the atmosphere.
Maria Mutagamba, the water and environment minister, noted that industrialists must adopt practices that enhance the wellbeing of consumers.
“Business and environmental interests must not get into conflict. Besides, the modern business world requires that companies shift their focus from only accumulating profits and integrate environmental-friendly practices in their operations,†she said.
This was in a message read by David Obong, the water and environment ministry permanent secretary, at a climate change national stakeholders workshop at Kabira Country Club in Kampala last week.
Recently, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), named 100 leading corporate firms, which it said were breaching environmental laws. However, no action has so far been taken against them.
Mutagamba revealed that a crackdown on environment abusers would soon be mounted. She also said her ministry would boost NEMA’s enforcement unit and the create a climatic change directorate to ensure compliance.
“Although we need to appreciate that enforcing compliance is good, protecting the environment out ones free will is better,†she said.
This was during a workshop was organised by the Climatic Change Action Network-Uganda and Ecological Christian Organisation, which was supported by UK’s Department for International Development.
“Am optimistic that this will be achieved through the sh1b climatic change awareness programme soon starting,†she added.
THE Government has warned industrialists against practices that promote environmental degradation, saying they hasten the negative effects of climatic change.
Different companies of always been accused releasing toxic industrial chemicals into water systems, building in wetlands or emitting hazardous gases into the atmosphere.
Maria Mutagamba, the water and environment minister, noted that industrialists must adopt practices that enhance the wellbeing of consumers.
“Business and environmental interests must not get into conflict. Besides, the modern business world requires that companies shift their focus from only accumulating profits and integrate environmental-friendly practices in their operations,†she said.
This was in a message read by David Obong, the water and environment ministry permanent secretary, at a climate change national stakeholders workshop at Kabira Country Club in Kampala last week.
Recently, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), named 100 leading corporate firms, which it said were breaching environmental laws. However, no action has so far been taken against them.
Mutagamba revealed that a crackdown on environment abusers would soon be mounted. She also said her ministry would boost NEMA’s enforcement unit and the create a climatic change directorate to ensure compliance.
“Although we need to appreciate that enforcing compliance is good, protecting the environment out ones free will is better,†she said.
This was during a workshop was organised by the Climatic Change Action Network-Uganda and Ecological Christian Organisation, which was supported by UK’s Department for International Development.
“Am optimistic that this will be achieved through the sh1b climatic change awareness programme soon starting,†she added.